Suffering of good number people has turned into life risk in Bogura. Due to continuous rains for several days, the water has increased in the Karatoa River flowing through the eastern side of the town.

The bamboo fence next to the under-construction Fateh Ali Bridge over the river has become vulnerable to the current. And many people are crossing the dangerous bridge day and night.

The people of East Bogura are in dire straits since the destruction of Fateh Ali Bridge, one of the main means of access to the main city of Bogura and the construction of a new bridge. Fateh Ali Bridge, built in 1970, was declared unsafe in August 2018. After about three months, six pillars were installed on both sides to stop heavy traffic on the bridge.

After a long time, this important bridge was broken and the construction work started on May 22 of last year, with a length of 68 meters and a width of 12.3 meters at a cost of Tk 22 crore.

Locals have been complaining about working on the rock since the beginning of the construction. As evidenced by the fact that the work was supposed to be completed in June this year, it was extended to December.

After the destruction of the bridge, there was no alternative plan for the people of East Bogura to enter the city. Later, in response to the demands of the people of that area, the Roads and Janapad Department constructed Bamboo Bridge on the river. Then another bamboo shaft is constructed by increasing the pressure.

But the bridge which was built first has been used in the same condition for more than a year. Due to the pressure of people day and night, the bridge has become dangerous due to recent water break.

This dangerous road is now the only hope of people traveling in the eastern part of the city. Women, children, old people are crossing bridge knowingly and under compulsion. Many of the bamboos of the fence are broken, many of the poles are shaken and many of the iron-bound bamboos are opened.

When more people cross at the same time, the barrier shakes. Common people are still moving with the fear of casualties or loss of life.

Locals told that the suffering of the people of East Bogura has become extreme as the construction work of the bridge has not been completed on time. The ordeal has now raised fears of loss of life. The bamboo canopy built more than a year ago is now wobbly.

There is fear of loss of life due to current. It needs renovation or new bamboo panels. The people of this region demanded that the construction of the bridge should be completed soon and the crossing of the river should be made safe.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hosna Afroza said after joining Bogura she has already started to supervision all sort of pending work. The construction of the Fotteh Ali bridge will render communication with central Bogura. DC added.