RM Salim Shahi: The bridge has not been built on the Someshwari river on the border of Ranishimul union of Srivardi upazila of Sherpur even in 54 years. As a result, thousands of people in 12 border villages are suffering.

It is known that thousands of people from 12 villages including Kharamura, Rangajan, Balijuri, Tawayakocha, Jukakura, Gurucharandudhanai, Haluahati, Kalibari, Malakocha, Bilvarot and Bishnupur travel on this river every day. But because there is no bridge over this river, thousands of people of 12 villages have to bear extreme sufferings year after year.

Villagers including local UP member Nurul Haque said that the demand for the construction of a bridge on Someshwari river Balijuri has been raised since the independence of the country. Assurances have also been received from the administration and public representatives at various times. But even in 54 years it has not been implemented. The distance from Srivardi Upazila Sadar to Balijuri Bazar is about 30 km. Someswari River flows along the northern side of Balijuri Bazar. Coming down from the border, this river flows through both sides of Kharamura village. As a result, Kharamura village has become an isolated village.

Villagers including Golap Hossain, Abbas Ali, Quddus Mia of Balijuri village said that about 5 thousand people including women, men and children live in this village. The condition of the roads in this village is pathetic. Residents of this village have to cross Someshwari river to go to market, school and college. Boats and dry season bamboo sacks are the only hope for crossing the river.

It is about five kilometers from the Balijuri market to the Indian border of Kharamura and Rangajan villages. Villagers said that no vehicles ply on this road due to the poor condition of the roads. Balijuri area is an important border area. It has Tawakocha BGB Camp, Balijuri Forest Range Office, Balijuri High School, Kharamura Dakhil Madrasah and Primary School. Due to the lack of a bridge over Someshwari river, the people traveling on this route have to suffer a lot.

Villagers including Rahmat Ali, Mohsin Ali, Morshed Alam of Tawakocha village said that elections come after five years. At that time the people's representatives voted to us by assuring the construction of Balijuri Bridge on Someswari River. But after the election, no public representative inquires about us.

They said that the villagers have been suffering for ages due to lack of a bridge here. School and college students are not able to go to school-college on time. Villagers are unable to take any patient to the health complex on an urgent basis. Farmers are not able to market the produced agricultural products on time. Farmers have to suffer extreme inconvenience in cattle crossing. They demanded the construction of a bridge on an urgent basis at Balijuri on Someshwari river.

Sherpur LGED executive engineer Mostafizur Rahman said that a bridge project has been approved here and sent to the relevant directorate. Necessary measures will be taken if funds are allocated.