A bridge built in 2018 in Madaripur’s Shibchar Upazila remains unusable eight years on due to the absence of connecting roads, leaving residents without the intended benefits of a costly public project.
Locals in Madbarerchar Union’s Ward 1 said two bridges were constructed in Khan Kandi area within a short distance of each other, yet one has remained effectively abandoned since completion. They alleged that despite spending nearly Tk1 crore, the development has failed to serve public needs.
Residents said the first bridge was built with backing from local representatives, including a female union parishad member and Union Parishad Chairman Mahamud Chowdhury. Before work on that structure was fully completed, another bridge was reportedly constructed around 100 yards away through separate lobbying, along with a connecting road serving a different locality.
A visit to the site found that one of the bridges still lacks earthen approach roads on both sides. Although pipes and basic structures are in place, no usable road has been developed, rendering the bridge non-functional since its construction.
“Had the approach roads been ensured at the time, people would not be suffering now,” said local resident Abdul Haque. “The bridge was built, but there is no road.”
Residents questioned the planning behind constructing two bridges in close proximity while leaving one without connectivity. They said a single well-planned structure would have been sufficient, and the remaining funds could have been used for other local development needs.
Ward 1 member Monir said building two bridges at the same location under influence of local power dynamics reflects misuse of public funds. “This level of waste is not acceptable. Even now, if soil is filled and roads are built on both sides, the bridge could serve people,” he said.
Affected residents have urged authorities to take immediate steps to construct the connecting roads. They said a relatively small allocation and administrative initiative would make the bridge usable and ease daily movement.
The situation has raised fresh concerns over planning gaps, coordination failures, and lack of accountability in local infrastructure projects. Residents said stronger oversight and joint decision-making between political representatives and administrators are needed to ensure public projects deliver real benefits.
