Our Correspondent Panchbibi :
The bridge on the river Tulsiganga, which flows near the historic Patharghata in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat, has now become a death trap for the common man. The bridge, built during the Pakistan period, has cracks in many places and broken railings on both sides. Even then, thousands of people from 15/20 villages including Mathpara, Biddigram, Belpukur, Sarapar, Uchai, Kashabari, Bagra, Kantapukur and Nayapara of the upazila are traveling at the risk of their lives.
Sanowar Hossain of Kantapukur village, Biren Chandra of Mathpara village and Francis Mardi of Pirpal village said that in the 1950s, father of the Italian Christian church, Javanni Vanzetti, came to Patharghata to preach. At that time he built a primary and secondary school for the Christians of the area along with various religious institutions. Students of his institute used to cross the river Tulsiganga. Thinking of their plight, he first built a bridge with palm fronds and bamboo poles. Later, in 1958, Father built a foot bridge to facilitate the movement of students and people from the eastern region.
Half of the railings of this bridge, built about half a century ago, have not been there for a long time.
Also, many parts of the bridge are broken and cracked. Every day thousands of pedestrians, school-college students pass over such a fragile bridge. On the other hand, paddy and small pickups carrying heavy goods, Messi-tractors are moving at risk.
