7yrs on, bridge still not rebuilt

Around 20,000 residents of 10 villages in Jamalpur’s Bakshiganj upazila have been suffering for years due to the delay in reconstructing a key bridge that collapsed seven years ago.

The bridge, over the Takimari canal on Alirpara-Gopalpur road, was washed away during the floods in 2019.

In the absence of a permanent structure, locals have been relying on makeshift bamboo bridges or small boats to cross the canal, often at risk.

Students of Gazi Amanuzzaman Modern College and Alirpara Bahumukhi High School are among the worst sufferers, as they face difficulties and delays in commuting daily, particularly during bad weather.

Zulfikar Mamun, a lecturer at the college, said the absence of the bridge has been causing serious hardship for students.

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The lack of connectivity has also affected livelihoods. Local farmers struggle to transport agricultural produce to markets. In emergencies, delays in taking patients to hospitals increase health risks, especially during the monsoon, when conditions worsen significantly.

Locals said no effective initiative has been taken despite repeated appeals.

Sohel Rana Palash, acting chairman of Bogarchar union, said the matter has been communicated to higher authorities.

“Hopefully, necessary steps will be taken soon,” he said.

Contacted, Md Shamsul Haque, upazila engineer of LGED in Bakshiganj, said reconstruction of the bridge has remained stalled due to a lack of funds.

“We have yet again submitted a proposal in this regard for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Construction will begin once allocation is approved,” he said.