Residents of five to six villages under Paikpara union in Faridganj upazila have been suffering for years due to the hazardous condition of a locally-built wooden bridge, their lone means of communication.

The wooden bridge, connecting East Bhawal village and neighboring areas under Ward No. 7 of Paikpara union, has been in a dilapidated state for long.

Frequent accidents on the bridge have left  people who use it daily frustrated and fearful.

Although local people submitted a formal request to the Upazila Project Implementation Office two years ago no progress has been made toward constructing a concrete bridge or culvert to replace it.

The unsafe bridge turned very risky after heavy rains earlier this year caused waterlogging and the collapse of its supporting structures.

During a recent visit, this correspondent observed people crossing the rickety bridge at great personal risk.

Rickshaws, vans, and motorcycles often meet with accidents while crossing the unstable structure.

Syed Ahmed Talukdar, a resident of East Bhawal village, said, “There was a bamboo bridge here five years ago, which we replaced with this wooden bridge using community funds. However, heavy rainfall recently damaged both sides, making it vulnerable.”

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Dulal Talukdar, another resident, said, “We replaced the bamboo bridge to improve connectivity but now this wooden bridge has become unsafe. Vehicles frequently fall into the water, and students face immense difficulties. The bridge also connects villagers to a mosque and Eidgah, making it an essential link for five villages.”

Both men stressed the urgent need for a concrete bridge, noting that repeated pleas to local representatives have so far gone unanswered.

Md Shamim, a Union Parishad member, said  he submitted an application to the Upazila Project Implementation Office two years ago for the construction of a small bridge.

“The PIO and other officials inspected the site, but no allocation has been made yet. I was told that construction will begin once funds are available,” he said.

Administrative Officer Golam Mostafa Shamim, who joined the union eight months ago, said he was unaware of the bridge’s current state but promised to investigate.

Read more: Under-construction bridge collapses in Patuakhali

Faridganj Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Milton Dastidar said, “I visited the site following a written request from locals. Necessary documents have been sent to the ministry for approval. The demand for a new bridge is valid, and I’m optimistic that it will be addressed soon.”