The iron bridge over the canal adjacent to Chander Hat Bazar in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokati has turned into a death trap. The bridge is in a state of disrepair due to lack of repairs.
On the spot, it was seen that most of the slippers made of cement were broken. The cross angles have rusted and made the bridge unusable. Locals are tying bamboo under the slippers and moving over the bridge with extreme risk. But now it has become so rugged that no vehicle can pass over the bridge.
There is no way to walk on foot. School-going students are terrified of accidents while crossing the bridge. Besides, passengers of autobikes, motorcycles, tempos, rickshaws, vans and other domestic vehicles are also in trouble.
According to the locals, the Iron Bridge was constructed by the local government engineering department near Chander Hat Bazaar about a decade and a half ago. At present, hundreds of people from Kathalia Sadar, Kaikhali, Banshbunia, Chenchri Rampur, Anilbunia, Dakshin Kaikhali and several other villages are crossing the perilous bridge every day for fear of accidents.
If the bridge is not repaired quickly to avoid accidents as it is very risky, major accidents can happen. Victims demanded quick bridge repairs.
Biren Mistry, a local resident, said the bridge was extremely risky. Very old so it can break and fall into the canal at any time. It is very difficult for people to move. The bridge has been blocked by trees as it is dangerous. A new bridge needs to be built here very soon.
Rabbi Hassan, a schoolboy, said the bridge was too old to collapse at any moment. No cars can move from here. So it is very necessary to build a new bridge here. While crossing the bridge, a pedestrian named Aleya Begum said that people are suffering a lot due to this bridge. Rickshaws or autos are not able to move anything. So I was forced to travel on foot. They are afraid to cross the broken bridge. If an accident happens, then who will take the responsibility.
Kathalia Sadar Union Parishad Chairman Mahmudul Haque Nahid Sikder said people used to move only when people used to move through the bridge. So I have arranged for the angles to be lit with an allocation through the local members. It is very important to repair or build a new bridge as it is of public importance. Authorities have already been notified for the new construction.
In this regard, LGED Kathalia Upazila Engineer Saad Jaglul Faruk said that there is a plan to rebuild the risky bridge. I have already sent the demand letter for the construction of the bridge.