Azibor Rahman

Recently an association of college and university Student based in Kaliganj upazila has built a wooden bridge voluntarily over the Chitra river for the greater benefit of the villagers and students.

A total of 45 students of College and University Students’ Association (CUSA) at Ektarpur, Gayashpur and Debrajpur villages have built the bridge for two months at their sweet will.

Rabiul Islam Toha, secretary of the association, said that considering the misery and sufferings of the commuters, villagers and students they formed an association with 45 interested students titled ‘CUSA’.

They collected around 500 bamboos and Tk 70,000 from the nearby villagers, service holders and businessmen in order to build the bridge.

The length of the bridge is 283 feet and its breadth is 6 feet.

It has become possible for the pandemic because all the students of university and colleges are staying at home due to Covid-19, he said.

He added that the commuters, villagers and students had to cross more than five kilometers additional road due to the want of this bridge. They are now happy for the ease of movement over the river.

The bridge, which is west facing, has connected seven villages on both the side of the river.

Gayashpur, Parkhirda, Shatbaria, and Bashundhara are on the East side of the river while Ektarpur, Jatarpara and Debrajpur are on West side.

Ektarpur Secondary School is at the West side of the bridge while Shatbaria Hukkul Huda madrasa is located at the East side.

Ektarpur Secondary School teacher Md Hafizur Rahman said, “We have been greatly benefited for the bridge. The farmers are now able to carry their vegetable to Shatbaria market. Besides, the bridge has facilitated the movement of 150 students of the school and madrasa.”

A village doctor Hafizur Rahman Hafiz of Debrajpur village said that this bridge has developed a friendship among the villagers. Now the local bazar is buzzing with crowd.

Female patients have also able to consult with the local doctors for the building of the bridge thanks to the initiative of the students.

Raigram UP chairman Ali Hossain Apu said that the students deserve praise for building this bridge. All sections of people including farmers, and students including are highly glad for the noble initiative of the students.

Photo: Azibor Rahman