Bagerhat, Oct 4 (V7N) – A new floating bridge made of drums and wooden planks has been constructed by the upazila administration in Bagerhat, bringing long-awaited relief to villagers who for years relied on a risky bamboo bridge to cross the Shobeki River. Residents say the bridge has not only made daily commuting easier but could also become a point of attraction for visitors in the future.
 
The floating bridge, stretching 176 feet in length and 8 feet in width, was built with a series of green drums topped with red iron framing and wooden planks. It now connects the eastern and western banks of the river, linking the Dema Union Parishad office, health center, madrasa, primary and secondary schools, and seven wards on the east with wards eight and nine on the west.
 
For decades, villagers used a bamboo bridge to cross the river, often at great risk. Accidents and delays were common, especially for schoolchildren and parents with young children. “Crossing the old bamboo bridge was always frightening, especially with children. If it broke, we had to travel long distances to reach the other side. This new bridge has made our lives much easier,” said Shefali Rani, a local resident.
 
Students also welcomed the change. “Earlier it took us a lot of time to reach school, and if the bamboo bridge was damaged, we had to walk long detours. Now we can reach school quickly and safely,” said Sumon, a student from the area.
 
The project was completed within 22 days at a cost of Tk 5.81 lakh, funded by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. Md. Sohel Parvez, Dema Union administrator and Upazila Social Services Officer, said the bridge was planned as a practical alternative to a permanent concrete bridge, which would require far greater funding. “We wanted to address the long-standing suffering of the villagers. With this floating bridge, easy communication has been established, and the people’s hardship has finally been reduced,” he said.
 
END/MPS/SMA/