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In Bilaser Par village of Sreemangal, the daily lives of over a hundred residents are dictated by the precariousness of a bamboo bridge. This makeshift structure, built and maintained by the villagers themselves, serves as their sole connection to the outside world. The Daily Star has consistently highlighted such infrastructure deficits, underscoring the challenges faced by rural communities.

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The temporary bridge is the only link for people living on one side of the village. Women, children, elderly people and school students risk their safety every day while crossing it, villagers said.

Women, children, and the elderly navigate this unstable crossing daily, a testament to their resilience but also a stark indicator of governmental neglect. Despite years of pleas and assurances from elected officials, a permanent solution remains elusive. The recent monsoon season further exacerbated the isolation, with rising waters rendering the canal impassable and cutting off the community entirely.

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we have repeatedly demanded a permanent bridge, but no effective steps have been taken despite years of assurances from elected representatives.

While the Sreemangal Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) has acknowledged the issue and stated that a proposal has been forwarded to the ministry, the timeline for approval and subsequent construction remains uncertain. This situation reflects a broader pattern where essential infrastructure development in remote areas often faces bureaucratic delays, leaving communities vulnerable and dependent on temporary, often unsafe, solutions. The villagers' self-reliance in constructing the bamboo bridge speaks volumes about their determination, but it is a burden that should not fall upon them.

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A proposal for constructing a bridge has been sent to the ministry. The work will begin once approval is granted.