Where sand traders rule in monsoon
A syndicate of sand traders have removed the middle portion of two wooden bridges on a canal at Shologhar in Sreenagar upazila under the district to make way for movement of sand-laden vessels.
The practice, causing sufferings to the people of eight villages in Shologhar union, continues for a couple of months every year during the rains when the water level of the canal rises, locals said.
The two wooden bridges, each about 300 feet long, are at Bhairab Bari and Kali Bari launch terminals, about half a kilometre from each other, on Syedpur canal in Shologhar union.
During a spot visit, this correspondent saw about 100 feet portion at the middle of each of the bridges non-existent.
About 5,000 residents of Shologhar Singher Majhipara, Purahito Para, Joj Bari, Sodarampur, Samshabad, Chokerpara, Ardhipara and Munshirhati villages used the two bridges.
Now villagers including a good number of students have to cross the canal by boats. The elderly people and women, especially patients and pregnant ones, are the worst sufferers due to the situation.
Several accidents including sinking of boats occurred at the spots in different times.
Villagers alleged that the callous act continues with the support of Shologhar Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Azizul Islam and UP members Mohammad Ali and Rafique for plying of sand laden vessels through the canal.
The sand traders' syndicate breaks the wooden bridges for around five months with the advent of the rainy season, said Jainal Abedin of Shingher Majhipara village and Russel Matbar of Jomshabad village.
The syndicate men threaten with cases and attacks if anybody protests the act, they said.
Shologhar UP Chairman Azizul Islam said, “I have split the two wooden bridges with my own cost to collect earth for construction of a building of the UP. When earth collecting ends, I will repair the two bridges. I have made alternative arrangements for people's movement on boats with my own money.”
“I have split the two bridges after taking permission from the administration and police. During the rainy season in last year also, the two bridges were split for building a super mall in front of the police station. Later I repaired the bridges spending Tk 85,000.”
“The bridges are separated in the middle for different needs and it has continued for the last several years,” the UP chairman said.
Sreenagar Police Station Officer-in-Charge SM Alamgir Hossain said none have informed them about the matter.
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