MOHSIN MILON, Benapole

A 30-year-old dilapidated bridge over a canal in Balidia village under Mohammadpur upazila of Magura has long been causing suffering to several thousand residents.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found the bridge’s railings collapsed years ago, while several sections in the middle have either sunk or deteriorated. In some places, local residents carried out temporary repairs with concrete to keep it usable. Cracks have also appeared on the southern side of the structure.

Hundreds of schoolchildren use the bridge every day. During the monsoon, its risky condition leaves them exposed to the danger of serious accidents.

Residents of at least 15 villages, including students, farmers and general commuters, use the bridge daily.

The bridge is around 135 feet long and six-and-a-half feet wide. With no protective railings on either side or a 15-20 feet deep canal below, pedestrians face constant danger while crossing it.

Locals said the bridge is a vital link to several educational institutions and local markets nearby.

Mahafuzur Rahman, headteacher of Balidia Secondary School, said the bridge had long remained in a risky condition.

“Minor accidents occur frequently. Considering the safety of students, a new bridge should be constructed to replace it soon,” he said.

Golam Mortaza, a local teacher, said the bridge was built around 1996-97 and has received little meaningful maintenance since then.

The railings were damaged around 2015, forcing residents to use the bridge amid risk for more than a decade, he said.

Contacted, Md Golzar Hossain, upazila engineer in Mohammadpur, said the necessary design and project information had already been sent to the higher authorities for construction of a new and wider bridge.

“The matter is currently under process,” he added.