In the charlands of the Padma River, over a thousand residents of Notunkandi, in Ward 3 of Madbarerchar Union, Shibchar Upazila, face a daily battle against the elements.
During the monsoon season, from June to early winter, these residents rely solely on boats to navigate the flooded areas surrounding their homes.
With no roads to connect the char to the mainland, the residents are forced to cross waterlogged areas and muddy tracks, using ropes tied across a massive canal-like water body. Severe weather and nightfall further disrupt their already limited connectivity. The journey, which often begins at the Madbarerchar market, involves walking across a bamboo bridge, then taking a boat to cross the canal.
This method of travel, with no designated boatman, means that whoever boards the boat must also take the helm, pulling themselves across the rope to reach the other side.
Local residents, such as Rohim Khalasi, describe the hardships, saying, “There’s no way to take a vehicle to the char. After crossing the boat, we must walk across a bamboo bridge. The journey to Shibchar Upazila is a daily struggle.” Sohail Rana adds, “In the rainy season, the canal fills with water, making it impossible to cross without a boat. It’s especially hard when there’s an emergency or when we need to buy essentials.”
The situation worsens when boats capsize in deep waters, and children can’t reach school. Rahima Begum shares her distress, “When someone is sick, we must carry them to the doctor. There are no vehicles, and once, someone was bitten by a snake, and we had to carry them on our shoulders. Sadly, they passed away.”
With no proper roads and the monsoon amplifying their struggles, locals like farmer Sarwar Hossain feel the weight of their hardship, saying, “If only there were a bridge, it would make our lives easier.”
The Padma charlands, once barren, now house thousands of families who depend on agriculture, livestock, and fishing for their livelihood. But the lack of reliable transportation means they are often isolated, with boats remaining the only viable mode of travel during the rainy season.
