Every monsoon, the swollen Padma River once again cuts off thousands of families living in the char areas of Daulatpur upazila from the mainland, turning even the most basic needs – medical care, education and access to markets – into daily challenges.

More than five decades after Bangladesh's independence, residents of Ramkrishnopurup and Chilmary unions along the Padma's char areas say the absence of just two bridges has left nearly 1,00,000 people largely isolated despite gradual improvements in schools, electricity and other public facilities. 

For years, locals have been demanding the construction of bridges at Bhagjot and Sukharghat, saying the missing links have become the biggest obstacle to the region's development.

During the rainy season, boats remain the only means of crossing the river.

In the dry months, residents travel across miles of sandy riverbeds by van, trolley, motorcycle or even horse cart before reaching paved roads on the mainland.

The prolonged travel affects almost every aspect of life – from students attending classes and patients seeking emergency treatment to farmers transporting crops and traders reaching markets.

Located about 30 kilometres from the Daulatpur upazila headquarters, the char region has seen some internal road development in recent years. However, the lack of bridge connectivity means the existing infrastructure cannot deliver its full benefits.

Emergency healthcare remains one of the biggest concerns.

Residents say critically ill patients often require hours to reach hospitals in the upazila or district town, with delays sometimes worsening their condition before treatment becomes available.

Farmers are also counting the cost. Rice, jute, maize, vegetables and other agricultural products must be transported by boat or horse cart before reaching road transport, increasing costs and reducing profits.

Saddam Hossain, a resident of the area, said poor communication has also affected education.

"Children in the char areas are deprived of quality education because teachers are reluctant to stay here for long. Even those who join often seek transfers within a short time, affecting the standard of education," he said.

Saddam added that the nearest Upazila Health Complex is around 30 kilometres away, making emergency medical care difficult to access.

Housewife Shefali Khatun described the hardship of taking sick family members to hospital.

"We have to carry patients across sandy riverbeds by van or horse cart before reaching transport to the mainland. Sometimes their condition becomes even worse on the way," she said.

According to the upazila Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office, proposals have recently been sent to the higher authorities for constructing a 350-metre bridge at Bhagjot Ghat and a 96-metre bridge at Sukharghat.

However, officials could not say when the projects might receive government approval.

Upazila LGED Engineer Asad Ullah said all necessary documents had already been submitted.

"Construction work will begin once the required budget is approved," he said.

Local residents say bridge construction has been a recurring election promise.

Ahead of almost every parliamentary election, candidates for the Kushtia-1 (Daulatpur) constituency pledge to build the two bridges and improve roads, education, healthcare and agricultural services. But once elections are over, they say, those promises fade away while the region continues to lag behind.

Ramkrishnopurup Union Parishad Chairman Siraj Mondal said the two bridges will transform the local economy.

"Bridge connectivity will not only improve transportation but also bring significant progress in education, healthcare, agriculture and business,” he said, urging the authorities to approve the projects without further delay.

Kushtia-1 lawmaker Reza Ahammed said construction of the two bridges and protection against river erosion remain among his top priorities.

"The issue has already been raised in Parliament, and demi-official (DO) letters have been sent to the relevant ministry. We are making every effort to secure approval for the projects as quickly as possible," he said.

For the people living on the Padma chars, the proposed bridges represent far more than concrete structures. They symbolise access to education, healthcare, markets and opportunities long enjoyed by people on the mainland.

Until those bridges become a reality, however, thousands of residents will continue crossing rivers and vast sandbanks in search of services that many Bangladeshis take for granted.