Vehicles are moving at extreme risk due to large holes and cracks appearing on the important road bridge adjacent to Bhangarhat Bazar in Kotalipara Upazila of Gopalganj. Thousands of passengers, pedestrians and various types of vehicles are crossing the bridge in panic every day. Locals fear that a major accident could happen at any time.
According to local sources, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) constructed the 42-meter-long bridge at a cost of about 4.6 million taka in the 2000-2001 fiscal year. A contractor named M/s Haque & Sons completed the construction work. For two decades, the bridge has been used as one of the main means of transportation for people in Bhangarhat Bazar and the surrounding areas.
Locals complain that the long-term loading and unloading of goods by parking heavy trucks on the bridge and the regular parking of long-distance buses bound for Benapole have created additional pressure on the bridge. As a result, cracks gradually appear in the middle of the bridge. Currently, holes have formed there and the cracks are getting wider.
It can be seen on the ground that the concrete part in the middle of the bridge has broken and formed holes. Cracks are clearly visible in several places. Motorcycle, easy bike and van drivers have to move with special caution. The risk of accidents increases even more in the dark of night.
Local businessman Abdul Malek Sheikh said, “Thousands of people travel on the bridge every day. Cracks have appeared here for a long time. Now there are holes too. We are very scared. If not repaired quickly, a major accident can happen.”
Easy bike driver Md. Sohel Mia said, “Because there is a hole in the middle of the bridge, it is scary to take a car. Especially at night, the problem is more. Many times, the wheel suddenly falls into the hole and accidents occur.”
Local resident Sanchita Joydhar said, “Both men and women, including school and college students, use this bridge. Parents are worried about their children due to the risky conditions. Urgent repairs are needed.”
Upazila BNP organizing secretary and businessman Soleman Sheikh said, instead of waiting for an accident to happen, the bridge should be repaired on an urgent basis or, if necessary, rebuilt. At the same time, they demanded effective measures to stop heavy vehicle parking and loading and unloading of goods on the bridge.
Kotalipara Upazila (LGED) engineer Shafiul Azam said, “The damage to the bridge has come to our attention. The bridge has already been inspected/necessary repairs will be reported to higher authorities.
Kotalipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sagufta Haque said, “Public safety is very important. Necessary steps will be taken after discussing the current condition of the bridge with the concerned department.”