United News of Bangladesh

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.