Located along the banks of the Padma River, Rakhalgachi is largely isolated from civic facilities. Reaching the area from the upazila headquarters takes 2-3 hours, primarily due to the time required to cross the river. Boats and engine-powered trawlers are the only means of transport. Roads are in disrepair and unfit for use, there are no educational facilities, and accessing healthcare requires over two hours of river travel. Pregnant women, the elderly, and children face the brunt of these challenges. The absence of proper sanitation forces residents to use hanging toilets, and child marriages remain prevalent.
Local resident Saimuddin Pramanik told Kalbela, “During the monsoon, we have to float bodies away as the cemetery gets flooded. We created a small burial ground, but it’s insufficient.” Jharna Begum said, “We rely entirely on boats. If doctors visited monthly, it would help. We feel helpless.” Babu Matubbar added, “Our roads are broken, making movement difficult. These are vital for farming, but no one has come to repair them.”
Goalanda Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Kabir Hossain stated, “The area’s remoteness limits school establishment under existing policies. Many children work with their families, missing school. We are trying to encourage attendance.” Dr. Shariful Islam, Residential Medical Officer at Goalanda Upazila Health Complex, said, “Poor connectivity deprives residents of healthcare. A community clinic in Rakhalgachi could improve services. We’ve raised this with higher authorities.” Upazila Executive Officer Md. Nahidur Rahman noted, “Some areas are hard to reach due to erosion and risks, causing service disruptions. We are working to improve services, and the cemetery issue is under consideration.”
The people of Rakhalgachi urgently demand comprehensive civic amenities and essential services.
