No bridge, no boatman: Dangerous canal crossing in Shibchar

Residents of Natunkandi village in Madborerchar Union, Shibchar, are facing a critical infrastructure crisis due to the lack of a bridge over a canal connected to the Padma river. The crossing is extremely dangerous, relying on manual rope-towing of boats, which has led to significant delays in medical access and at least one confirmed death following a snakebite incident. Residents are demanding a permanent bridge to address this long-term humanitarian and safety crisis.