Sherpur, Correspondent: Residents of four remote char villages in Sherpur Sadar upazila formed a human chain and held a rally on Sunday, demanding a bridge over the Dashani River and construction of flood-free paved roads.
The demonstration was held along a 2.5-kilometre stretch from the bank of the Dashani River to Kamarerchar Bazar. Around 20,000 people, including farmers, students, workers, businesses, children and elderly residents, took part. More than 200 horse carts the main mode of transport in the area also joined the human chain.
The protesters demanded an elevated road from Kamarerchar Bazar to Char No. 4, a permanent bridge over the Dashani River, and another all-weather road from Goalpara Mor through Char No. 6 to Bhatipara ferry ghat. They also called for effective measures to prevent river erosion and overall infrastructure development in Char No. 6, Goalpara and Payastir Char.
Carrying placards, posters and banners, participants highlighted their sufferings and chanted slogans in support of their demands.
After the programme, local leaders submitted a memorandum to Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Tarfadar Mahmudur Rahman.
The rally, held on the riverbank, was chaired by former Kamarerchar Union chairman Md. Nowab Ali. Among others, lecturer A.K.M. Shariful Islam, head teacher Harun Or Rashid, Janata Bank official Md. Kamruzzaman Kamal, assistant engineer Md. Safayet Jamil, lecturer Md. Shahriar Jamil, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University official Md. Mostafizur Rahman, lecturer Shafiul Alam, retired sergeant Md. Zahurul Haque and ASI Md. Al Amin spoke at the event.
Speakers said the char region has remained neglected since independence. During the monsoon, roads and croplands remain underwater for nearly six months, while the lack of bridges and paved roads during the rest of the year causes severe hardship for residents and students.
They added that around 50,000 people from four villages, along with about 20,000 more from parts of Islampur and Melandah upazilas in neighbouring Jamalpur district, depend on these routes. They urged the government to take immediate action, warning of tougher protests if their demands are not met.
