Construction of a bridge at Umedpur in Shibchar upazila of Madaripur has remained suspended for more than two years because of unresolved land acquisition issues, causing prolonged difficulties for residents.
The 66-metre bridge, being built over a former river now used as a canal, lies on the route from Chanderchar Bazar to Degreer Char in Umedpur union.
During construction, the canal beside the bridge was filled in to create a temporary road for local traffic. As the bridge remains unfinished, residents still have to use the makeshift road, which they say is difficult and unsafe to travel on.
The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) began construction of the bridge in 2023 at a cost of Tk10.75 crore. The project was scheduled to be completed in May 2025.
Three other bridges in Shibchar were taken up around the same time and were completed earlier but work on this one stalled because of the land acquisition dispute.
The bridge is an important link between Chanderchar Bazar, Shibchar and surrounding areas. Thousands of people use the route to reach schools, colleges and madrasas and to transport goods to and from the weekly market at Chanderchar.
Residents said accidents frequently occur on the temporary road beside the bridge.
Tota Mia, who regularly uses the route, said there had previously been a bridge at the site, which was demolished before construction of the new one began.
“There is a building and land belonging to a person on the Chanderchar Bazar side of the bridge. The building will have to be demolished for the bridge. The landowner filed a case after not receiving compensation. Since then, the work has remained suspended and we are suffering,” he said.
Van driver Liton Dhali said construction stopped after about half the bridge had been completed.
“After the change of government in 2024, the landowner objected and the work stopped. Travelling on the road beside the bridge is very difficult. Vans have overturned many times and passengers are often injured,” he said.
Local resident Wasim Bepari said Chanderchar Bazar was located just beyond the bridge and that a weekly market was held there.
“People face difficulties carrying goods because the bridge has not been completed. During the rainy season, the suffering becomes much worse. The work has been suspended for nearly two and a half years, while people have been suffering for more than three years,” he said.
Siddique, who identified himself as a landowner at the site, said he was seeking compensation under government rules for land affected by the bridge project.
He said he wanted the compensation issue resolved quickly so that construction could resume, adding that the prolonged suspension had also caused difficulties for local people.
Mohammad Ali Haider Khan, executive engineer of LGED in Madaripur, said the project had been halted because of complications over land acquisition.
“Work is under way to resolve the acquisition-related issues. We hope the matter will be settled soon,” he said.
