Collapsed bridge not repaired in 3 years

An iron structure bridge over a canal in Dumki upazila, collapsed more than three years ago, still lies without repair, much to the sufferings of people of several villages.

Besides, over 500 students of nearby Habibullah Government Secondary School are the worst sufferers as they have to cross the canal on small boats amid risk to go and from their institution every day.

Otherwise, the school children are compel to travel an additional four kilometres, using the alternative route.

Local people said Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the iron structure bridge over Varani Canal in Lebukhali area in 2009.

In 2015, a portion of the iron bridge was badly damaged, but then the LGED authorities repaired the damaged part within a few months.

In January 2020, a major part of the important bridge completely collapsed after being hit by a sand-laden cargo.

Since then, most of the villagers including school going children use small boats to cross the canal as the authorities concerned are yet take necessary step to repair the bridge.

Atiqul Islam, head teacher of Habibullah Government Secondary School, said the institution, nationalized in 2018, was established in 1961.

Currently the school has nearly 1,000 students.

Of them, over 500 students either have to come to the school by crossing the canal on small boats, or walking an additional four kilometres through an alternative route, the headmaster said.

However, the number of students at the institution has been decreasing alarmingly as the bridge is lying unrepaired for long, he added.

Abdus Salam, acting chairman of Lebukhali Union Parishad (UP), said he has sent several letters to different concerned departments, including the LGED, urging them to repair the bridge immediately, but they are yet to take any step in this regard.

There are many other important establishments including the union land office, post office and two weekly markets on either side of the bridge, he said.

Contacted, Patuakhali LGED Executive Engineer Latif Hossain said they have taken up a plan to remove the damaged bridge and build a new one there.