Sarkar Shahadat Hossain, Gaibandha

A bridge has been constructed over a canal in Sundarganj Upazila of Gaibandha without approach roads, rendering the newly built structure virtually useless for local residents and commuters. Despite spending over Tk 10 million on the project, people are still forced to use makeshift bamboo and wooden walkways to access the bridge, leaving their daily hardships unchanged.

The bridge was built over the Baraikandi Canal in South Baraikandi village under Shreepur Union by the Department of Disaster Management and Relief. The project was implemented and supervised by the Sundarganj Upazila PIO.

According to sources at the PIO office, the bridge was built during the 2025–26 fiscal year at a cost of Tk 10.5 million. Measuring 50 feet in length and 14 feet in width, the bridge was built by contractor firm Ramim Enterprise. The construction period officially ended on June 30.

Sources said that under the contract, approach roads were supposed to be constructed on both sides of the bridge. However, despite the completion deadline passing, the contractor has not completed the roadwork. Locals allege that, with the support of the PIO office, the contractor withdrew payment without completing the approach roads.

A recent visit to South Baraikandi (Charpara) village revealed that the new bridge stands prominently over the canal, but instead of roads, narrow bamboo walkways connect both ends. Water continues to flow beneath the makeshift structures. People from all walks of life—including school and college students, children, and elderly residents—are forced to cross the bridge on foot. Cyclists must dismount near the bridge and push their bicycles across, exposing themselves to considerable risk.

Residents said that people from several villages, including Chengmari, Boroghat, Golbari, and neighboring Kapasia Union, use this route daily. Around 15,000 to 20,000 people depend on the road. Yet, since the bridge was completed, no motorcycle, rickshaw-van, or other vehicle has been able to use it due to the absence of approach roads.

With the monsoon season underway and expected to continue for several more months, locals fear the bamboo walkways will become even more dangerous when wet and slippery.

They alleged that although the bridge construction was completed nearly three months ago, negligence by both the contractor and the PIO office has delayed the completion of the connecting roads. Residents claim they have repeatedly informed the concerned authorities, but no visible initiative has been taken. They further alleged that the contractor has already received full payment despite the unfinished work.

Locals are demanding immediate construction of the approach roads so the bridge can be used properly.
Shahana Akter, a tenth-grade student of Kamarjani Girls’ High School who was on her way to sit for her half-yearly examinations, told the media , “The bridge has been built, but it is of no use to us. Before, we had to walk across a bamboo bridge, and even now we have to walk. Because there are no roads on either side, no vehicles can use the bridge.”

Local resident Abdul Awal said the road serves as a shortcut between Shreepur and Gaibandha town. “Every day, around 15,000 to 20,000 people from several villages use this route. It reduces the distance to Gaibandha town by seven to eight kilometers compared to traveling via Bottola. That is why people continue to use it despite the risks.”

Questioning the quality of construction, Abdul Hamid said the retaining structures meant to hold the soil on both sides of the bridge had not been built properly. “Even if soil is added, it will not stay in place and may collapse because the retaining pillars are much lower than required,” he said.
Shreepur Union Parishad Chairman Azharul Islam said he had informed both the contractor and the PIO several times about the issue. “Only the PIO and the contractor can say when the work will be completed,” he added.

Attempts to contact Sundarganj Upazila Project Implementation Officer Mashiyur Rahman for comments were unsuccessful, as he neither answered phone calls nor was available at his office.

Contractor Ziaur Rahman of Messrs Ramim Enterprise said the approach roads could not be completed because water entered the canal during the final phase of construction. “As soon as the water level drops or the area dries up, we will quickly build the connecting roads,” he said. Responding to allegations from landowners, he also assured that damaged land would be refilled and restored.

Sundarganj UNO MIffat Jahan Tuli, citing information from the PIO office, said a portion of the project payment remains withheld until the remaining work is completed.