Hundreds of locals have been using a narrow, makeshift bamboo culvert to cross River Karatoa risking their lives, as the damaged Fateh Ali Bridge hasn’t been repaired for a year in the eastern side of Bogura town.

The situation has turned grimmer as the incessant rains for several days increased the water level of the river, locals said.

They said that the people of East Bogura have been suffering greatly since the destruction of Fateh Ali Bridge, one of the main means of access to the main city of Bogura. Fateh Ali Bridge built in 1970, was declared unsafe in August 2018. Around three months later, six pillars were installed on both sides to stop heavy traffic on the bridge.

After a long time, this important bridge collapsed and the reconstruction started on 22 May 2023, with a length of 68 metres and a width of 12.3 metres at a cost of Tk22 crore. The work was supposed to be completed by June this year but it was extended till December.

After the destruction of the bridge, there is no alternative route for the people of East Bogura to enter the city. In response to the demands of locals, the Roads and Highways Department constructed a Bamboo Bridge over the river. Later, another bamboo culvert was constructed due to the increasing pressure of locals.

This dangerous culvert is now the only hope for people travelling from the eastern part of the city. Women, children, and old people are crossing the culvert every day knowingly and under compulsion. Many parts of the bamboo culvert have broken and poles tremble dangerously when people walk on the culvert, residents said.

Locals blamed the delay of the authorities in completing the repair of the Fateh Ali Bridge on due time for the increasing havoc and risk to the people. Rumana Khatun, a local of East Bogura, said “We fear for our lives every time we cross the river using the bamboo culvert which was built a year ago. The condition of this bamboo bridge has become flimsy now, anytime it can collapse.”

The people of this region urged the authorities to complete the construction of the bridge immediately to make the river crossing safe for locals.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hosna Afroza said “After joining Bogura I have already started supervising all sorts of pending works. The repair of the Fateh Ali Bridge will also resume to end the public suffering.”