Nearly five years after construction began, an unfinished bridge in Patuakhali remains out of use, leaving around 10,000 residents of eight villages struggling with daily movement and essential services.
The project, initiated by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in 2021 at a cost of around Tk 3.5 crore, was designed to connect Kuripaika with neighbouring Bhuria Union, easing communication and transport for local communities.
Although the main structure of the bridge has largely been completed, the absence of approach roads on both ends has rendered it unusable since completion.
As a result, residents are forced to cross the structure using makeshift wooden ladders, exposing them to constant safety risks.
“I was going to Patuakhali Sadar Hospital for treatment when I slipped from the wooden ladder while trying to climb the bridge,” said Ramzan Ali, a resident of Kuripaika village.
“Fortunately, I was not seriously injured, but I could not continue my journey that day. It is extremely difficult for elderly people like us to cross like this,” he added. Locals said at least eight villages—Kuripaika, Bhuria, East Kuripaika, West Kuripaika, Kamalapur and Soula among them—depend on the route for daily commuting.
Students, farmers, fishermen, traders and office-goers all rely on the crossing as a key communication link in the area. Md Jahangir Hossain, a local resident, said people had expected the bridge to significantly improve connectivity within a few years of the project’s launch.
“Now we have a bridge we cannot use. Instead of reducing suffering, it has added to our problems,” he said.
For students, the unfinished structure has become a daily source of fear and inconvenience. Tania Akter, a student of Kuripaika Secondary School, said she is forced to cross the bridge every day to attend classes.
“Climbing up and down the ladder is frightening. It becomes even more dangerous during rain, and sometimes I arrive late to school,” she said. Parents and guardians have also expressed concern over the risks faced by children.
“Children are risking their lives every day while going to school. We constantly worry about accidents,” said Abdul Malek, a local guardian. The situation worsens during the monsoon season, when muddy and waterlogged roads around the bridge make travel even more difficult.
Residents said emergency medical access and transport of agricultural goods become particularly challenging during this period. Farmer Harun Mia said poor transport facilities have increased costs and reduced profits.
“We often fail to get fair prices for our paddy, vegetables and other produce because transporting them to markets is so difficult,” he said. Locals also alleged that construction work progressed slowly over the years and was suspended on several occasions, fuelling frustration in the area.
They have demanded immediate completion of the approach roads and remaining works so the bridge can finally be opened for public use. Meanwhile, the LGED executive engineer in Patuakhali said the project had been delayed due to technical and administrative complications.
“Efforts are underway to resolve the issues. The remaining work, including the approach roads, will be completed as quickly as possible and the bridge will be opened to the public,” he said.
He added that the project is being closely monitored and instructions have been issued to expedite completion.
