Dhaka: A bridge over a branch canal of the Dhonagoda River in Daudkandi upazila of Cumilla has been in a precarious state for nearly five years, posing significant risks to thousands of people who rely on it for daily transit. Despite its dangerous condition, the bridge remains a critical route for schoolchildren, patients, farmers, and other residents due to the absence of alternative pathways.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the bridge, which connects the Harina Bazar-Bhabanipur South Hindu Para area in Panchgachia West Union, was constructed approximately 15 to 20 years ago. Local residents report that the deterioration began when one of the central pillars subsided, leading to further weakening of the structure and partial collapses in several sections. The hazardous state of the bridge forces pedestrians, students, and vehicles, including CNG-run auto-rickshaws and motorcyclists, to continue using it, risking potential accidents.
The bridge serves as a vital link for residents of nearby villages such as Guchhagram, Bhabanipur, Thetalia, Tulatali, Nalchak, Nayachar, Panchgachia, Bazarkhola North, Bazarkhola South, and Shaithardia. The lack of an alternative route compels students, employees, traders, farmers, and patients to cross the bridge daily. Students are particularly vulnerable as they navigate the structure to attend educational institutions. Patients also face challenges as ambulances and auto-rickshaws use the unsafe crossing to reach hospitals.
Russel, a student from Durgapur Primary School, expressed his fear of crossing the bridge, describing a pounding heart and anxiety over the potential collapse. Local residents Md Sarkar Arif and Md Shakil Ahmed Chowdhury echoed these concerns, highlighting the daily risks faced by thousands of commuters and the difficulties in transporting goods and people.
Md Asif Kabir, a local leader, emphasized the hardships endured by the community and called for urgent government intervention to construct a new bridge. He stressed the importance of the bridge for daily communication, transportation of agricultural produce, and access to medical care.
Daudkandi Upazila Local Government Engineering Department Engineer Md Jahidul Islam confirmed that a proposal for the bridge's reconstruction has been submitted. He noted that this bridge is one of several in critical condition within the upazila. A comprehensive list of approximately 70 bridges needing repair has been compiled, and steps are underway to secure approval for a Development Project Proposal (DPP).
While efforts are being made to address the bridge's condition, locals insist that mere repairs will not suffice. They urge the construction of a new, durable structure to prevent potential accidents and ensure safe passage for all affected residents.