MANIKGANJ, Jan 28: The under-construction bridge over the Solai River at Baldhara Union in Singair Upazila has become a major cause of sufferings for local residents, rather than providing the intended relief.
Despite nearly one and a half decades of waiting for the project to begin, repeated delays and the failure to complete it within the stipulated time have left thousands of people suffering on both sides of the river.
So far, only 55 per cent of the construction work has been completed. Yet, the contractor has already withdrawn approximately Tk 36.2 million from the project fund.
According to sources at the Manikganj office of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 42-metre-long RCC girder bridge was approved under the UHBP project for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
The total estimated cost of the project is BDT 67.8 million. The contract was awarded to BS JV Latakhola, a contracting firm based in Dohar Upazila, Dhaka.
Construction began in February 2024, with the original deadline set for February 2025. Although the deadline was later extended by a month, the work remains incomplete even after the revised timeline expired.
A visit to the site reveals that residents of at least eight to ten villages, including Basta, Burundi, Egaroshree, Baro Kaliakair, Bangala, and Golaidanga, are facing daily difficulties. There are seven educational institutions, including schools and madrasas, located on both sides of the river. Every day, thousands of people, including students, are forced to cross the river under risky conditions.
Local farmer Rahman Ali shared his frustration: "Transporting crops to the market has become extremely difficult. We now have to take long detours to sell our produce. Both time and costs have increased. The bridge could have changed our lives, but the stalled work has put us in serious trouble."
Another resident, Abdus Salam, explained that the suffering intensifies during the monsoon season. "At present, with little water in the river, people can cross on foot, but only two-wheelers can use the route. Other vehicles cannot pass at all," he said. Sajia Sultana, a woman from the area, highlighted the risks faced by vulnerable groups. "It is especially difficult for sick people and pregnant women. In emergencies, we cannot reach hospitals quickly. Because the bridge is unfinished, we are forced to travel an extra 10 to 12 kilometres to reach the district town," she explained.
Eighth-grade student Parvez Mia said that students are the most affected. "There are seven schools and madrasas on both sides of this bridge. During the rainy season, we used to cross by boat, and at other times by bamboo bridge. Now, there is no water and no bamboo bridge either. It's become very hard and unsafe," he said.
Local businessman Kamrul Islam expressed concern over the impact on trade. "We are facing serious problems bringing in and transporting goods. Customers can't come easily either. Business losses are increasing every day. We want the bridge to be completed as soon as possible. It will benefit people from eight to ten surrounding villages," he stated.
Manikganj LGED Executive Engineer ABM Khorshed Alam commented on the situation, saying the contractor has been repeatedly asked to resume work but has failed to do so. "As a result, we have initiated the process of appointing a new contractor. We hope that construction work will resume soon," he added.
asadlimon@gmail.com
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
