Only promises are being made, no bridge has been built

Published: 25 January 2026 : The 'Katakhali River' flows through the heart of Talukkanupur Union of Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha. The people of 12 villages rely on a bamboo bridge to cross the river through the Chhaygharia Kheyaghat. When the affected people here demanded the construction of a bridge, they got promises from the administration and public representatives. Despite hearing this assurance for ages, no one has implemented it yet!

Recently, scenes of people's suffering while crossing the river were seen at the Chhaygharia Kheyaghat. Everyone is crossing in extreme panic. It is learnt that the Katakhali River is now a major obstacle for thousands of people in 12 villages. Thousands of residents of Uttar Chaigharia, Parsundail, Guchchagram, Mathurapur, Sundail, Khatthipara, Charpara, Nayapara, Chaurpara, Ramnathpur and Kanipara have been suffering for ages due to the lack of a bridge at the Chhaygharia crossing point of this river. Locals know that when the water level of the Katakhali River rises during the monsoon season, the communication system of the region is completely cut off. The only means of crossing the river is by dinghy. As a result, young school-going children do not want to risk their lives to go to school, and in many cases, parents also do not want to send them to school out of fear. It also becomes almost impossible to take a patient to the hospital quickly. Sometimes, a sick patient has to be taken for miles and miles. This often leads to the death of the patient. Even the underdeveloped transportation system has made it difficult for the boys and girls of the area to get married somewhere good. Victims Menarul Islam, Sada Mia and Alkas Ali and many others said that due to the lack of a bridge, we are deprived of all modern facilities. Despite repeated promises, we did not see the bridge. So we were forced to build this bamboo bridge with our own hard-earned money. However, it is not possible to transport heavy goods or sick patients on an emergency basis through this bridge. The local people are strongly demanding that a permanent bridge be immediately constructed over the Katakhali River to accelerate the development of the education, health, and economic systems of this neglected township.

Talukkanupur Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Masud Alam Mondal said, "We have raised the issue of constructing a bridge at Chhaygharia Kheyaghat several times in the monthly meeting of the upazila administration. No result has been received yet."

LGED's Gobindaganj Upazila Engineer Mahbubul Haque said that he will investigate and send a proposal for the construction of a bridge at that location. He will work quickly once the allocation is received.