More than 100,000 people from 20 villages situated on the border of Basail and Kalihati upazilas in Tangail are still waiting for a permanent bridge over Langulia River.
Despite 54 years passing since independence, a concrete bridge has yet to be constructed at Khatra village ghat.
A dilapidated wooden bridge, built by the villagers’ own initiative, remains the sole means of communication and has now turned into a “death trap”.
According to local sources, this is the primary route for residents of Phulki, Khatra, Balla, and Kazipur in Basail, as well as Rampur, Gandina, and Tejpur in Kalihati.
Twelve years ago, after failing to secure government assistance, the villagers funded the construction of the wooden bridge themselves. However, due to a lack of renovation over the years, the pillars and planks have rotted, making the structure extremely hazardous.
On-site observations reveal that even walking across the shaky bridge is difficult, yet auto-rickshaws, vans, and motorcycles continue to use it at great risk. With several educational institutions and banks located on both sides of the river, hundreds of students and locals must cross it daily.
There have been instances of students slipping into the river and soaking their books. Furthermore, the fragile transport system prevents local farmers from easily transporting their produce to markets, depriving them of fair prices.
Hamed Ali Mia, a local resident, lamented that many members of parliament have come and gone since independence, but the bridge remains unbuilt. He noted that while promises are made during elections, they are forgotten once the polls are over.
Azmat Ali, an auto-rickshaw driver, shared that his vehicle once fell through broken planks into the river, and he now operates on the route with a constant fear for his life.
Regarding the situation, Kazi Fattaur Rahman, the Basail Upazila engineer of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), said the Khatra bridge has been placed at the top of the list for a project involving bridges under 100 metres. Tenders will be invited once the project commences.
Mohammad Kamruzzaman, executive engineer of LGED Tangail, affirmed that the construction of a bridge at this point of the Langulia River is being prioritised.
He added that if there is a delay in the specific project, the department plans to arrange construction through alternative project funds.
