A bridge over the Nohona River in Baliyadangi upazila in Thakurgaon runs the risk of collapsing any time because of lack of maintenance.
Built during the 1971 Liberation War, the bridge known as Jaoniya, serves as the lone channel of communication in between three unions including Lahirihat and Atoari upazila.
Millions of residents under the three unions including students and traders use the bridge daily amid fears of an accident. A number of heavy transports also cross the bridge.
Upon visit, it was found that cracks and potholes have developed on the bridge while the railings are also in a vulnerable state. The bridge has to carry four to five times load more than its capacity daily, said locals.
Heavy vehicles like cargo and loaded trucks weighing up to 70 tonnes are using the bridge daily that has a capacity of 20 tonnes.
The vehicles remain stranded during gridlocks which create more pressure and jerks on the bridge. The bridge has already tilted on its east. If proper steps are not taken immediately the bridge might collapse anytime suspending communication between millions of people, said the locals.
“The bridge is in such a sorry state that people even get scared while crossing it on foot. The communication minister should take immediate steps to repair or rebuilt the bridge,” urged Sohanur Rahman, a resident of Lahirihat upazila.
Ruma Khatun, a class nine student, said if the bridge was broken her study would be greatly hampered as there was no alternative way to go to school.
Charol Union Parishad Chairman Abu Hayat Nurunnabi said the bridge built during liberation was in peril. Accident might take place anytime.
Application has been processed to the upazila parishad for starting repair work.
Baliyadangi upazila Engineer Mainul Islam said: “I have visited the spot. The bridge poses high risk to commuters. The repair work would start soon.”
