Rajshahi, Feb 10 (V7N) – Transportation difficulties are emerging as a major concern ahead of the upcoming elections in the Padma char areas of Rajshahi district, potentially impacting voter turnout.

The chars are located in Godagari, Paba, and Bagha upazilas, including Ashariadah, Paba Khanpur, Khidirpur, Mazardiyar, Baghar Chakrajapur, Kalidaskhali, and Laxminarayanpur, home to over 68,000 residents. Of these, 12,947 are male voters and 11,301 are female voters.

Boats are the main mode of transportation in these chars. During the dry season, residents must travel from boats to motorcycles or on foot. Boat fares cost around 50 taka per person in the rainy season and 30 taka in the summer, while a motorcycle ride after disembarking can cost 150 taka.

Residents expressed concerns over the long and arduous journey to polling stations:

Sujan Ali of Char Ashariadah said, “Traveling to Char is really difficult. Many people may not want to go to distant polling stations on foot to vote, so voter turnout is expected to be low.”

Shafiqul Islam of Char Khanpur added, “We have to walk 5.5 kilometers to vote at Char Khidirpur. Men may go, but women likely will not.”

Shariful Islam of Char Majhardiyar noted, “The entire Char is a border area with risks. Walking is the only option in most places, and women face higher risks. Despite administration efforts, residents’ interest in voting seems low this time.”

Local officials also highlighted the challenges:

Abu Jafar Ibne Alam Promiz, Haryan Union Parishad member, said, “We requested at least two polling centers in the Char, but the administration could not be convinced. Residents of Char Khanpur will have to walk 5.5 kilometers to vote, which may discourage many from participating.”

The combination of long distances, transportation costs, and safety concerns could significantly affect voter participation in these remote areas. However, the administration has pledged to be proactive in mitigating risks at polling stations.

The situation underscores the broader challenge of ensuring accessible and safe voting in Bangladesh’s riverine char regions.

END/RAR/RH/