Naim stood at the riverbank, watching the swirling waters with anxious eyes. The school his sister attends and where he used to go lay just across the river, yet on days like this—when the currents ran strong—reaching it felt impossible.
The only way across was a wooden boat, unreliable and dangerous during the monsoon season. More often than not, Naim and many children in his village had to miss school, their dreams of education washed away by the river’s tide. For years, families in Haluaghat Upazila faced this struggle.
The region, north of Dhaka and with bordering India, faces the usual challenges of rural areas. The lack of proper bridges meant not only disrupted schooling but also restricted access to healthcare, markets, and emergency shelters during floods.
Like much of rural Bangladesh, this region—crisscrossed by hundreds of rivers and canals—remained disconnected, limiting opportunities for countless communities. Many parents feared for their children’s safety, while local businesses and farmers struggled to transport goods, leading to financial instability.
But everything changed with the completion of a new bridge, financed by the World Bank through the Operation for Supporting Rural Bridges (SupRB) Program. Now, instead of braving the river, Naim can walk his sister across a sturdy bridge in minutes.
Teachers, like Mozammel from Amtoil Primary School, note a remarkable improvement in attendance. For parents, the bridge brings peace of mind, ensuring their children can safely and consistently pursue an education.
Caption: Naim in front of the newly built bridge (Credit: Program for Supporting Rural Bridges – Documentary of Program Results – Local Engineering Department)
The impact of this bridge extends far beyond Naim’s family. Across 61 districts in Bangladesh, the SupRB project has improved over 3,200 bridges through maintenance, rehabilitation or new construction, significantly enhancing connectivity for millions. These bridges don’t just link roads—they connect people to schools, hospitals, and economic opportunities.
Pregnant women now receive vital prenatal care, elderly individuals can access healthcare facilities, and entire communities have safe passage to shelters during disasters. Farmers can transport perishable goods faster, reducing post-harvest losses and increasing their earnings.
Caption:48.50M Reinforce Cement Concrete girder bridge in Gangachara (Credit: Program for Supporting Rural Bridges - Local Engineering Department)
The World Bank’s investment in rural bridges is helping to break down barriers and create a ripple effect of progress. Yet, thousands of villages remain cut off, awaiting similar opportunities. For Naim’s family, a simple bridge means the difference between uncertainty and a future filled with possibilities.
Continued investment in infrastructure will ensure that no child’s education, no family’s livelihood, and no community’s safety is left at the mercy of a river’s tide. With each new bridge, Bangladesh moves closer to a future where connectivity is no longer a privilege, but a reality for all.
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