S DILIP ROY

Seven years after a 40-foot bridge collapsed before its inauguration, more than 5,000 residents of seven villages in Kurigram’s Phulbari upazila continue to endure daily suffering due to the absence of a functional crossing.

The bridge in Purbo Dhaniram village under Borovita union, built under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, collapsed on August 22, 2018, during light flood currents. Its broken concrete structure still lies abandoned in the canal.

“Both the foundation and the materials were weak, which is why it collapsed before it was even inaugurated,” said Mobarak Ali, 65, a farmer from Purbo Dhaniram.

Another villager, farmer Mominul Islam, 45, alleged that locals who protested the irregularities during construction were threatened with false cases by the then project implementation officer (PIO). “Officials came after the collapse and made promises, but nothing happened. No report, no action,” he said.

According to records from the Phulbari Upazila PIO office, the bridge was constructed between February and June 2018 at a cost of Tk 30,77,656. The contractor withdrew the full payment upon completion. Before it could be inaugurated, it was washed away.

Current PIO Siraj Uddoula said he had no information regarding the previous investigation. “There is no file in the office about the report. Only a note stating that the bridge collapsed due to strong flood currents,” he said.

“I am writing to higher authorities, requesting construction of a new bridge,” he added.

Kurigram District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abdul Matin said he was unaware of the issue. “I will visit the site and take necessary steps. A new bridge will be constructed to ensure proper communication for the villagers,” he added.