Even 54 years after the country’s independence, no bridge has been constructed over Dholir Beel in Sonatala upazila of Bogra. As a result, more than four lakh people from 28 villages of three upazilas are forced to cross the 210-foot bamboo bridge over the beel, risking their lives. Although it is easier to cross the beel during the dry season, people suffer a lot during the monsoon.
Local residents say that there is a large waterbody called Dholir Beel at Dholirchar village in Sonatala upazila. No bridge has been built there for decades. Instead, a 210-foot bamboo bridge has been built through voluntary efforts. Villagers from three upazilas, home to around four lakh people, have to cross the beel using this risky bamboo structure. Over the past 14 years, at least six people—including women and children—have died after falling into the beel while using the bridge.
Students of eight government primary schools, kindergarten schools, four high schools, and college-going students, along with residents of 28 villages, regularly use this bridge. Since independence, people have had to cross the beel through this bamboo bridge at the risk of their lives. About 85% of the people in the area are directly involved in agriculture. Farmers often meet with accidents while transporting their produce across this risky bridge.
Villagers said that during the election campaigns, public representatives promise to build a bridge over the beel. But once the election is over, they break their promises. As a result, no bridge has been built over Dholir Beel in the 54 years since independence. The locals say they will vote in the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election for the candidate who will pledge to build the bridge.
Sonatala Upazila Engineer Atikur Rahman Talukder said he has recently joined the office here. No one has informed him about the bridge over Dholir Beel yet. “We will look into the issue and take necessary steps in this regard,” he added.
