Once upon a time, the rural char areas of Tongibari upazila were in complete dark and it was impossible to travel for late night passers-by.
But now the scenario has totally changed with the installation of solar panel lights in the ares.
According to sources, the new transformation has brought a wide range of social changes by reducing thefts, robberies and mugging in one side and on the other side increased the confidence level of working people easing their homecoming journey at mid-night.
These solar-panel-charged lights, installed in the remotest char areas of Hasail and Dighirpar, which were impassable during nights, are experiencing the touch of footsteps of a large number of people.
According to locals, the flood eroded places are being transformed into suitable places for human habitation.
Agricultural activities marked by cultivation have ushered in new hope in those descended lands by way of generating rural employment.
Credit goes to the Test Relief (TR) activities of Rehabilitation and Relief Ministry for installation of the solar lights in those areas.
Alauddin, a resident of Chathatipara in the upazila, said the installation of a solar panel at the Asabol graveyard near the crossing of Chathatipara-Satulla road was helping people a lot who return home at midnight from working places.
Earlier, the place was a safe haven for criminals, drug addicts and muggers threatening the security of the pedestrians at night.
The initiative and supervision of Sagufta Yeasmin Emily, MP, has contributed a lot to the installation of high quality solar lights which brought this quick transformation in social life and opened a new avenue for economic advancement in the areas, said locals.
Zakir Hossain, upazila relief officer, said: “Until now 100 home solar lights and 124 street solar lights have been installed under the ongoing development work.”