More than five decades after Bangladesh’s independence, residents of Basail upazila in Tangail are still waiting for a permanent bridge over the Langulia River.
In the absence of proper infrastructure, thousands of people from at least 15 villages are forced to cross the river daily using a fragile wooden bridge, risking their lives.
The makeshift bridge, located in the Kauljani Bazar area under Fulki Union, serves as the primary route connecting villages, including Fulki, Khatura, Bolla, and Kazipur with the upazila headquarters. Students, commuters, small traders, and transport drivers depend on it every day despite its deteriorating condition.
Educational institutions such as Kauljani Government Primary School, Lutfar-Shanta Girls’ High School, and Kauljani Nawsharia High School are also connected through the risky crossing. Residents from neighbouring areas of Kalihati upazila, including Rampur, Gandhina, and Tejpur, regularly use the route as well.
Locals said the bridge was built nearly 12 years ago through community efforts after repeated appeals for a permanent structure went unanswered.
A recent visit to the area found pedestrians, auto-rickshaws, vans, and CNG-run vehicles all using the unstable bridge. Locals fear a major accident could happen at any time.
“Every election time, candidates come and promise us a bridge,” said local resident Hamed Ali Mia. “But once the election is over, they disappear. Many MPs have come and gone, but no one has fulfilled the promise.”
Another resident, Raju Ahmed, described the daily ordeal faced by students and commuters.
“The bridge shakes when many people cross at once,” he said. “Schoolchildren use it every morning. Vehicles also cross despite the danger. We urgently need a permanent bridge.”
Auto-rickshaw driver Ripon said the bridge often breaks down, forcing locals to raise money for repairs themselves. “We cross it in fear every day,” he said. “Any time a serious accident could occur.”
Another driver, Azmat Ali, recounted his personal experience. “The wooden planks suddenly broke and my auto-rickshaw fell through,” he said. “Several people had to help pull it out. Still, we have no alternative route.”
Contacted for comment, Basail Upazila Engineer Kazi Fattahur Rahman said the proposed Khatura Bridge has been included in the preliminary list of a government infrastructure development project. “As soon as the project begins officially, the tender process for construction work will be initiated,” he added.