254 vulnerable bridges pose deadly risks to commuters

Due to a lack of maintenance and repairs, hundreds of thousands of people and heavy vehicles are risking their lives crossing 254 dangerous iron bridges in various areas of Barguna district. Several of these bridges have already collapsed into rivers and canals, causing significant hardship for the local population.

Among these 254 hazardous bridges, 70 are located in Barguna Sadar Upazila, 98 in Amtali Upazila, 29 in Taltali Upazila, 16 in Betagi Upazila, 25 in Bamna Upazila, and 16 in Patharghata Upazila.

According to sources from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Barguna, several hundred iron bridges were constructed during the 1997-98 and 2009-10 fiscal years under the 'Light Vehicle Traffic Project'. These iron footbridges were initially designed for pedestrians and light vehicles like rickshaws and motorcycles, using iron structures topped with concrete.

However, with the increasing development in the country, rural roads in the remote areas of Barguna district became paved and widened, leading to an increase in vehicular traffic. Additionally, natural disasters like Cyclone Sidr, Aila, Mahasen, and Bulbul have further damaged these bridges. Despite this, they continue to be used by brick-laden trucks, mini-trucks carrying trees, microbuses, and even ambulances. Consequently, the condition of these old and damaged bridges has worsened. Recently, a tragic incident in Amtali, Barguna, where a bridge collapse led to the death of nine people, drew nationwide attention and prompted the authorities to take action. This incident underscored the urgent need to identify and address the risky bridges in the district.

Barguna Municipality Mayor Advocate Md. Kamrul Ahsan Maharaj stated that all 13 bridges in Barguna Municipality are in a dangerous state, with eight of them in such poor condition that a major accident could happen at any moment. He highlighted the critical condition of the Asiland Bridge in the municipal town, which was significantly damaged two years ago when the Varani Canal was dredged, causing the ground around the pillars to erode. The eastern end of the bridge sank during Cyclone Roanu, making it extremely risky. If this bridge were to be completely closed, it would cause severe inconvenience to the people of Barguna. Reconstructing these bridges quickly would bring much-needed relief to the residents.

Executive Engineer of Barguna LGED, Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan, mentioned that after taking charge, he collected information from all upazilas in Barguna. They found that 254 iron bridges are in dangerous condition, with 118 of them requiring immediate replacement. A project proposal has already been submitted to the chief engineer, and construction work will commence promptly once funding is allocated.

The situation in Barguna is dire, and immediate action is required to prevent further tragedies. The local population relies heavily on these bridges for their daily commutes and transporting goods. The authorities must prioritize the reconstruction and maintenance of these vital infrastructures to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Community leaders, local activists, and residents have raised concerns and are demanding swift measures to address the issue. Ensuring the structural integrity of these bridges is not only crucial for daily transportation but also essential for the region's economic stability and growth. The urgency cannot be overstated.