Barguna, Sept 15 (V7N) — Thousands of people in Patharghata upazila of Barguna are forced to cross 39 risky bridges every day, many of which shake under the weight of even light vehicles, raising fears of accidents.
 
Due to years of neglect, the bridges—built between 1997 and 2005—have become severely dilapidated, with some collapsing into canals. The total length of the unsafe structures is over 2,358 meters. Commuters face extreme hardship as no warning signs have been installed, leaving pedestrians, vehicles, and even schoolchildren to cross at great personal risk.
 
Local residents say the poor state of the bridges has hurt both daily life and the local economy. Advocate Sohel Rana of Rupadhan area said villagers were forced to build makeshift bamboo walkways after one bridge collapsed. “If the bridge is not rebuilt soon, potato farmers will be forced to sell at lower prices, causing losses. We demand urgent reconstruction,” he added.
 
Jaman, a resident of Charduani, said transporting patients across the rickety structures was a constant ordeal. “We appeal to the Chief Adviser—either demolish these bridges or rebuild them quickly,” he said.
 
Executive Engineer of Patharghata LGED, Samiran Mondal, confirmed that a list of 39 unsafe bridges has been prepared and proposals for reconstruction have been sent to the ministry for approval. “Once the budget is allocated, work will begin,” he stated, adding that no warning signboards have been installed since his appointment.
 
END/MRR/SMA/