Thousands of people are crossing the bridge in Chilmari, Kurigram, risking their lives almost every day.
The Rajarghat Bridge, built over the Buritista River in Raniganj Union of Jana Gacha, Upazila, has become a death trap. The 70-meter Rajarghat Bridge was built on DC-50 Road in 1982 at a cost of Tk 1.5 crore.
In the terrible flood of 2019, the guide wall of the bridge broke and the soil on both sides slid, creating a deep hole. Later, with the help of locals, some kind of movement was arranged by dumping soil on the connecting road. For the last five years, pedestrians, including light and heavy vehicles, have been moving at risk over the bridge, which is important to the public. As a result, accidents are happening all the time. Locals said that a major accident can happen at any moment.
Amin Mia (45), an autorickshaw driver from the Bepari Para area of Thanahat Union, said, "We have to travel over the bridge several times a day in our autorickshaws. But because of the deep holes on both sides, we have to take risks. We have to worry about when a major disaster will happen."
Abdul Jalil Mia (60), a pedestrian from Fakir Hat area of Raniganj Union, said, "I have seen many accidents in front of my eyes. Many bicycles and rickshaws fall into the holes in the dark of night. It is impossible to say when someone will die here."
Firozur Rahman, an engineer from the Upazila Local Government (LGED) Department, said, "The bridge is very risky. Soil was filled on both sides several times. But it was not sustainable due to the flow of the Buritista River. A new bridge will be built there soon."
ZH
