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'Restrict vehicular movement on Keane Bridge permanently'

Our Correspondent, Sylhet
Citizens from all walks of life demanded that Sylhet's historical Keane Bridge be repaired properly and vehicle movement be restricted permanently.
Speakers at a human chain, jointly organised by Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) Sylhet chapter and Surma River Waterkeeper, also demanded that a wall of nearby Jalalabad Park be removed and the park be utilised properly for citizens.
Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) suspended vehicular movement over the bridge for repair work this month.
Abdul Karim Kim, general secretary of Bapa's Sylhet chapter and Surma River Waterkeeper, said, "The Keane Bridge was the lone bridge over Surma till 1984 until a new bridge was constructed that year. There are four bridges over Surma other than Keane Bridge, and it is high time to protect the heritage that symbolises our city."
"Nearby Jalalabad Park was renovated a couple of years ago, but a tall wall was built that blocked the view and people stopped entering the park. The wall must be removed and park should be open," he said.
"The Keane Bridge, Clock Tower of Ali Amjad, Saroda Hall, Circuit House, Chadni Ghat and Jalalabad Park represent Sylhet city. A proper plan must be undertaken for each landmark to protect our heritage," he added.
Contacted, Sylhet City Mayor Artful Haque Chowdhury said he agrees with the demands made by citizens.
"Keane Bridge belongs to RHD, but SCC convinced all concerned authorities to suspend vehicular movement to repair the bridge properly. We are seeking expert opinion to make it pedestrian-only," he said.
"The wall was constructed for protection of the park from hawkers, but it turned away people from
entering. We will consider removing the wall to make the park visible," he added.
The mayor said, "We are also planning a huge revamp of the whole area and all heritage landmarks of Sylhet city, and we will include space for potters who have set up their products near the bridge for decades. We will transform the surrounding area to a recreational place for city dwellers," he added.
The Keane Bridge was built over River Surma in 1936, and named after Sir Michael Keane, then English Governor to Assam from 1932 to 1937.
Over the ages, the notable landmark's condition deteriorated and it was first damaged during the Liberation War of 1971, and repaired in 1977 after independence.
But since then, no notable repair work, except some beautification, was done, until the decision taken by city corporation recently.