An underconstruction bridge, with an estimated cost of Tk3.60 crore in Tangail, has collapsed late on Thursday.
The construction work for the bridge was supposed to be completed on May 11 this year.
However, a large portion, approximately 3 feet of the bride’s middle part, collapsed.
Locals claim faulty materials were used in the construction of the bridge, resulting in its collapse. The contractors are also accused of negligence.
According to sources, the Local Government Engineering Department under the supervision of Tangail Municipality started the construction work on Novermber 2020, with a budgetary allocation of around Tk3.60 crore.
Two contractor companies — Bricks and Bridge Limited and The Nirmito, began construction of 30-meter-long bridge across the Louhjong River near the Tangail-Beradoma-Omarpur Road.
A resident of the area, Hafizur Rahman, said: “We were hoping to cross the river with the bridge within a very short time, but it looks like the whole bridge may collapse at any time.
He added that that authorities had buit an alternative bridge for the residents, prior to the main bridge’s construction. "But that bridge too is in poor condition."
Another local, Khorshed Hossain, said due to the negligence of contractors and engineers, they will have to suffer for a few more years.
Abul Kalam Azad, councilor of ward 5 of the upazila, said the engineers and contractors of the municipality are reluctant to take any advice from anyone. “For their mistakes, millions of people in the area will also suffer again.”
Meanwhile, Amirul Islam, owner of one of the contracting company, denied the company’s involvement in the project.
“All concerned including the project director have been informed of the incident, after inspecting the site,” said Municipal engineer Shibbir Ahmed Azm