By Uttom Kumar & Amreto Sorkar from Tanore, Rajshahi
The only road connecting Gokul-Mathura village in Tanore upazila had become unusable after heavy rainfall severely damaged a culvert. This road is vital for nearly 5,000 villagers, including more than 500 students from two local schools, as well as farmers transporting agricultural products especially the current Aman rice harvest.
With the aim to solve the problem, the youth members of Swapnochari Youth Development Organization came forward. They voluntarily repaired the culvert and made the road usable again recently.
Earlier, a joint meeting was held involving the Gokul-Mathura Youth Organization, BARCIK, and villagers. According to the meeting decision, an application was submitted to the Tanore municipality authorities demanding urgent reconstruction of the culvert. Officials initially assured quick action, but even after a week no visible steps were taken, causing deep concern among farmers who were unable to transport harvested rice.
Realizing the urgency, the youth organization decided to repair the culvert themselves. “We know official processes take time, but people needed this road immediately. So we repaired it with our labour,” said the organization’s president, Md. Rubel Hossain Mintu (35). Youth members completed the work in just three hours.
Local farmer Jitendranath Sutradhar (65) said, “Without this repair, it would have been impossible to bring our harvested rice home. Any alternative route would cost much more.”
This initiative shows that youth engagement, proper guidance, and planning can play a powerful role in solving community problems.
