Frustrated by official inaction, residents of Chandgram Union in Bheramara Upazila have taken it upon themselves to rebuild a broken bamboo bridge over the Puntimari Canal.
For over two years, the 60-foot temporary bamboo structure served as the primary crossing for Ward No. 2, linking communities on both banks. Movement came to a complete halt last week when the fragile bridge collapsed while residents were crossing. Left without support from local authorities or public representatives, villagers pooled their own money, gathered bamboo door-to-door and hired workers to repair the span.
Local residents expressed deep frustration over the recurring hazard, noting that the temporary bridge must be rebuilt every year. They urged the government to construct a permanent concrete bridge to resolve their daily communication difficulties once and for all.
Acknowledging the problem, Chandgram Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Hafiz Tapan stated that a formal proposal for a permanent bridge over the Puntimari Canal has been submitted to the relevant government department. He assured that construction will begin once the project receives official approval. Until then, the self-funded bamboo bridge remains the sole lifeline for the village.
