A bridge over the Punarbhaba River in Dinajpur’s Birganj has remained collapsed for nine years, forcing residents of at least 10 villages to travel an extra 15 to 16 kilometres daily amid allegations of prolonged administrative inaction.
The bridge, linking Bhognagar and Mohammadpur unions, was built in 2016 at a cost of about Tk30 lakh but lasted barely a year before being washed away in the devastating floods of 2017.
Despite nearly a decade passing, no visible steps have been taken to rebuild the structure, leaving several thousand residents cut off from direct access to the main town.
Locals said what was once a short journey now requires a long detour, severely disrupting daily life and economic activities.
Although paved roads exist on both sides, the missing central span has rendered the route completely unusable for all vehicles.
The upazila’s vegetable-growing belt has been among the worst affected, with farmers struggling to transport produce to markets.
“We now have to pay double transport costs to take vegetables to market,” said farmer Mahabur.
“We grow crops hoping for profit, but poor connectivity is pushing us into losses,” he added.
Another farmer, Azgar Ali, said wholesale buyers who once collected produce directly from the area no longer visit due to poor access.
“This has deprived us of fair prices and pushed many into financial hardship,” he said.
The communication crisis has also disrupted education in the area.
Local student Sadia Khatun said attending school becomes nearly impossible during the monsoon.
“Many of us have to travel long distances, while some risk crossing the river near the broken bridge,” she said.
The prolonged delay in reconstruction has fuelled growing frustration among residents, who warn of long-term damage to the local economy and education system if the situation persists.
Bhognagar Union Parishad Chairman Gopal Deb Sharma said a single missing bridge has stalled the development of the entire area.
When contacted, Birganj Upazila Engineer Humayun Kabir said the road has already been developed and the broken bridge inspected.
“A reconstruction plan is in process, and work can begin once approvals and funding are secured,” he said.
Dinajpur-1 lawmaker Monjurul Islam said the matter is being treated with importance and discussions with relevant authorities will be held soon to ease public suffering.
Residents, however, questioned how long it will take for repeated assurances to turn into action after nearly a decade of neglect.
