For years, a fragile wooden bridge served as a vital lifeline for people living in and around Pranath Char in Shahidbagh Union of Kaunia upazila of Rangpur.

Now, with a section of the bridge collapsing into the river, thousands of residents from at least 10 villages have been left struggling to cross the waterway, with many forced to rely on small boats.

The bridge, which was built to facilitate communication across the river, has long been in a dilapidated condition.

Recently, part of it gave way and fell into the river, disrupting everyday movement and leaving local communities effectively cut off.

Schoolchildren, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are sick are the worst sufferrers.

Many students now have to cross the river by small boats or use the remaining portions of the damaged bridge, exposing themselves to serious risks.

A visit to the area found residents waiting for boats to cross the river, while the broken bridge stood as a stark reminder of the deteriorating infrastructure on which the communities depend.

The crisis is particularly serious for local farmers.

Pranath Char and neighbouring areas are predominantly agriculture-based, and farmers depend on the bridge to transport paddy, vegetables and other produce to nearby markets.

With the bridge out of service, they are facing higher transportation costs and difficulties in getting their produce to market on time, raising concerns about receiving fair prices.

Residents said  the disruption has turned what was once a routine journey into a daily ordeal.

“Going to school has become very difficult since the bridge broke down. I feel scared crossing the river by dingi boat. If the bridge is repaired quickly, we will no longer have problems travelling to school,” said student Sajibur Rahman.

Local resident Jasim Sarker said the collapse has brought the suffering of residents to an extreme level.

“Women, children and sick people are suffering the most. We hope the authorities will take the matter seriously, arrange a safe crossing immediately and take steps to build a permanent bridge,” he said.

The danger is particularly acute during bad weather and when the river current is strong.

Locals fear that continued reliance on small boats or the unstable remnants of the wooden structure could result in a major accident at any time.

For the communities on both sides of the river, the bridge is not simply a piece of infrastructure—it is a crucial link to schools, markets, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

Its collapse has exposed the vulnerability of thousands of people who have depended on the makeshift structure for years.

Residents are calling for an immediate temporary solution to ensure safe passage while demanding the construction of a permanent, durable concrete bridge at Pranath Char.

Kaunia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Papia Sultana said the authorities are aware of the collapse.

“We have come to know about the collapse of the wooden bridge. The suffering of the local people is being taken seriously. We will soon inspect the situation on the ground, coordinate with the relevant authorities and take necessary steps to arrange safe passage and find a permanent solution,” she said.