A visually appealing bridge constructed at a cost of approximately BDT 19 crore in Sreepur, Gazipur, has remained unused for a long three years. Due to the absence of a connecting road, the bridge could not be opened for vehicular traffic, causing extreme suffering to local residents. Widespread public dissatisfaction and frustration prevail as such a large sum of money from the government exchequer lies idle.
The Roads and Highways Department initiated the construction of this approximately 98-meter long bridge over the Dhatri River, flowing beside Boromi Market in Sreepur, in 2021 with the aim of alleviating public suffering. The then-government inaugurated this project, built at a cost of approximately BDT 18.96 crore. The bridge's construction was completed within two years and ten months, specifically by September 2023, which was intended to be a swift and effective completion.
Although the bridge's construction was completed, complications arose in building its connecting road. While the process of acquiring 1 acre and 37 decimals of land on the north side of the bridge began, bureaucratic complexities and slow progress in this regard prevented the contractor from starting the connecting road construction. Consequently, even three years after its completion, this modern bridge could not be opened for vehicular traffic, hindering its primary purpose.
With no vehicular movement, the bridge currently presents an unusual sight. A weekly market is held on it, where wood is sawn, and agricultural products like rice and jackfruit are bought and sold. Furthermore, due to the absence of a connecting road on the eastern side of the bridge, locals have created a risky makeshift footpath using sandbags, which could lead to a major accident at any time, endangering pedestrians' lives.
Local resident Delwar Hossain told Akash Bani that thousands of people from various upazilas, including Mymensingh, Gafargaon, and Kishoreganj, commute daily via this route. Since the new bridge remains unused, everyone is forced to travel over an old, dilapidated bridge. He expressed concern, stating that the old bridge trembles with fear whenever a cargo truck or covered van drives onto it, and they fear it could collapse at any moment.
Milan Hossain, a grocer who comes from the neighboring Kaoraid area to buy wholesale goods at Boromi Market, stated that he purchases products at wholesale prices from this century-old Boromi Market and sells them retail. He faces terrible traffic jams on his way to and from the market. When multiple small vehicles ascend the old bridge, it starts to shake, creating a frightening situation. He demanded the swift opening of the new bridge, which would normalize their business and daily lives.
Al Amin, another resident of Boromi, expressed his anger, saying that drug addicts have removed and sold the electric lights and various nuts and bolts installed on the unused bridge. He believes that if the bridge were operational, they would not have had such an opportunity, and such wastage of government assets could have been prevented. Its disuse also creates maintenance problems and increases the risk of structural damage to the bridge.
Regarding this matter, Tanvir Ahmed, Executive Engineer of the Gazipur Roads and Highways Department, informed Akash Bani that due to complications related to land acquisition, the previous contractor could not construct the connecting road, even after completing the bridge's main structure. Their remaining bills, excluding the connecting road, have been paid. He further stated that the land acquisition process is now completely finished, and new tenders will be invited soon to construct the connecting road and make the bridge suitable for vehicular traffic.
Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan also assured on the matter, stating that all necessary initiatives have been taken to make the bridge suitable for vehicular traffic. He informed that the land acquisition process has been completed, and the remaining work will commence very soon. He expressed hope that this problem would be resolved swiftly, and the public would be able to reap its benefits.
With this modern bridge, built at a cost of BDT 19 crore, remaining unused for a long three years, there is not only a waste of government funds but also extreme suffering inflicted upon the daily lives of local residents. Its negative impact is felt across everything, from business and commerce to essential commuting. The affected local residents hope that through swift action by the concerned authorities, this vital infrastructure will be put into public service and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.
