Long wait for Tahirpur Bridge must end

FE Team | Published: July 04, 2026 20:10:28

Tahirpur, a haor-surrounded upazila in Sunamganj bordering the Meghalaya hills, is one of Bangladesh’s most picturesque regions. Blessed with attractions such as the Jadukata River, Tanguar Haor, Lakmachhara, Niladri Lake, Barik Tila, and the country’s largest Shimul garden, the area holds enormous tourism and economic potential. However, the people of this area have long been suffering due to a long-awaited project —- Shah Arefin - Advaita Mahaprabhu Maitri Bridge over the Jadukata River.
Construction of the bridge began in December 2018 under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), and it was scheduled to open to the public in June 2021. Unfortunately, despite repeated deadline extensions, the bridge remains unfinished nearly eight years after construction began.
The delay has imposed significant hardship on residents. The bridge would improve connectivity between Sunamganj Sadar, Bishwambharpur, Tahirpur, Madhyanagar, and Dharmapasha, while providing a more efficient route to Dhaka via Netrokona. It would also boost tourism, facilitate access to border haats and customs stations, and stimulate local trade and investment.
The prolonged suspension of such a vital project demands urgent attention and accountability. The relevant authorities should identify and resolve the obstacles delaying construction and ensure its prompt completion. The people of Tahirpur have waited long enough for a bridge that is essential to their economic progress and quality of life.
Md. Ehsanul Haque Milon
Student
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Sylhet