SOHRAB HOSSAIN, Patuakhali

At least 357 iron bridges in Barguna have become unfit for use due to years of neglect, causing immense suffering for locals.

Among them, 18 have already collapsed. Despite their dilapidated state, thousands of people and vehicles continue to cross these risky structures every day.

According to the Barguna office of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the bridges were built during the 1997–98 fiscal year under a low-cost project meant for light vehicular movement.

Of these, 98 bridges are in Amtali upazila, 81 in Sadar, 64 in Betagi, 44 in Bamna, 39 in Patharghata, and 31 in Taltali.

Rebuilding them is estimated to cost Tk 1,400 crore, while 142 identified as “urgent” would require around Tk 650 crore, according to officials.

Locals said the structures have not been repaired since their construction, leaving them severely worn out. In many cases, cement sleepers, railings, and other structural parts are broken, while some iron components have been stolen.

In Bamna upazila’s Hogolpati village, fourth grader Asma Akter has to cross a shaky iron bridge every day to reach her school. “The bridge trembles when I step on it. Sometimes I’m too scared to go to school,” she said.

During a recent visit, a 30-year-old iron bridge over the Holta river, which separates Bamna and Mathbaria upazilas, was found to be almost unusable. Its beams have nearly disappeared, with villagers propping it up using palm tree trunks just to keep it functional.

In Sadar upazila’s Gaurichanna Bazar area, another inter-upazila bridge used daily by hundreds of students and commuters has also become hazardous.

“The iron pillars gave way about six years ago. Now motorcycles and autorickshaws cross over wooden sleepers. A major accident could happen anytime,” said resident Masum Billah.

Monir Hossain Kamal, president of Barguna’s chapter of Transparency International Bangladesh’s Citizens’ Committee, said, “These 357 iron bridges have become death traps. Fatal accidents may occur at any time.”

Contacted, Barguna LGED executive engineer Md Mehedi Hasan said, “All 357 iron bridges in the district have been declared risky. Of them, 142 have been marked as urgent for reconstruction. A proposal has been submitted under a new project to rebuild the bridges. Once implemented, it will end the longstanding suffering of Barguna residents.”