The long-awaited Madhumati Bridge, linking Mohammadpur in Magura with Boalmari in Faridpur, was once hailed as a symbol of development, connectivity and new economic possibilities for the region.
Today, however, it stands as a silent reminder of maintenance failure and administrative neglect.
Although the bridge still draws admiration in daylight, after sunset it sinks into complete darkness, turning what was meant to be a modern transport corridor into a hazardous passage for thousands of daily users.
Built at a cost of Tk63.31 crore and measuring 600.70 metres in length, the bridge was inaugurated on 22 November 2020 with great local pride. Its importance has since grown as a key link in the broader Padma Bridge connectivity network, carrying buses, trucks, private vehicles and motorcycles every day.
Yet, despite its strategic significance, not a single streetlight on the bridge has been functional for more than two years.
What was expected to be a safe and well-lit infrastructure asset has instead become, after dusk, a stretch of near-total darkness. Locals say the absence of lighting has not only created safety risks but also contributed to rising insecurity in the area.
The surrounding zone, once developing as a lively tourist spot with restaurants, small businesses and seasonal food vendors, is locally known as a “mini Cox’s Bazar”. Crowds gather during festivals and holidays, but the atmosphere changes sharply after sunset.
A field visit shows that all installed streetlights on both sides of the bridge remain non-operational. As night falls, pedestrians, motorcyclists and tourists are forced to navigate the bridge in near blindness, increasing the risk of accidents and crime.
Residents allege that the darkness has created opportunities for criminal activity, including drug dealing and theft. Some say the bridge area has increasingly become unsafe after evening hours.
Local resident Momin Musalli said the situation has persisted for over two years.
“No lights work anymore. After sunset the entire area turns into a ghostly environment. Ordinary people avoid the route unless necessary. But it has become a safe zone for drug traders,” he said.
Another commuter, Imamul Islam, said fear now accompanies daily travel.
“I often use this road, but movement after evening feels unsafe. You never know what might happen,” he said.
Officials acknowledge that the problem is long-standing. Upazila Engineer and Mohammadpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bedaboti Mistry said the situation arose due to theft of service cables and electrical equipment.
“The matter is being treated seriously. Necessary materials are being procured and steps are underway to restore the lighting system as soon as possible,” she said.
The darkness over Madhumati Bridge is no longer just a technical fault. It reflects a deeper failure in maintenance culture and post-project governance. While infrastructure development projects are often showcased with ceremony and publicity, their upkeep frequently fades into neglect.
For the people of southwestern Bangladesh, the bridge remains vital for communication and trade. Yet its current condition raises a broader question: is development limited only to inauguration ceremonies, or does it include ensuring that public assets continue to serve safely long after the cameras are gone?
Locals now hope that the prolonged darkness will finally end, restoring the bridge not only to light, but also to safety and dignity as a true symbol of development rather than neglect.
