Tk4.27cr Sunamganj bridge awaits approach roads four years on

A 75-metre bridge over the River Khasiamara in Doarabazar upazila of Sunamganj, constructed at a cost of Tk4.27 crore, has remained unusable as its approach roads are yet to be completed, four years after construction commenced.
The bridge, located in the Alipur area of Surma Union, was inaugurated in February 2022. According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 75-metre PC girder bridge was built under a project with an estimated cost of Tk4,26,94000.
Although the bridge's paving work was recently completed following pressure from local residents, approach roads on both sides are still unfinished. As a result, residents, including students, farmers and emergency patients, continue to cross the river by boat at considerable risk.
Locals alleged that construction work has progressed at an extremely slow pace, with work often continuing for a few days before stopping for several months. They also raised concerns about the quality of materials used in parts of the bridge, including its railings.
Local resident Ashish Rahman said the completion of the approach roads had been delayed despite the paving work being finished recently. “People still have to cross the river by boat, risking their lives. School and madrasa students, emergency patients and farmers carrying crops are suffering the most. It is unacceptable that a project scheduled for two years has not been completed even after four years,” he said.
Moumita Jahan Mita, a student of Muhibur Rahman Manik Sonali Nur High School, said students have to cross the river at risk every day to attend school.
“Since the bridge is incomplete, we have to cross the river at great risk. We fear accidents every time,” she said.
Another resident, Nazim Mia, blamed inadequate supervision and alleged negligence by officials of the Doarabazar LGED office for the prolonged delay. Before construction of the bridge began, people used boats to cross the river at the site. However, residents say the construction work has disrupted the previous crossing system while failing to provide a usable alternative.
Meanwhile, Doarabazar Upazila LGED officer Abdul Hamid said the remaining work would be completed soon and the bridge would be made suitable for traffic.