Kajal Baran Das, Patuakhali
A footbridge at Patuakhali town’s busiest crossroads, built to ensure safe road crossings, has now become a source of public suffering and fear due to years of neglect, illegal occupation and poor maintenance.
Built in 2015 at a cost of around Tk 3.5 crore, the bridge has deteriorated significantly. Its stairways are obstructed by shops and makeshift markets, while rubbish and plastic waste have accumulated on the steps and other parts of the structure.
The poor condition has discouraged many pedestrians from using the bridge, forcing them to cross the busy road directly and increasing the risk of accidents, particularly for women, children and elderly people.
A visit to the site found rusted and damaged metal flooring, broken railings and sharp metal parts protruding from different sections. Locals said the bridge sometimes shakes even in slightly strong winds.
A few days ago, a broken metal part fell from the bridge onto a moving bus below. No one was injured, but the incident caused panic among local people.
The bridge also lacks adequate lighting at night, according to locals. They alleged that drug addicts and muggers often gather there after evening, making pedestrians, particularly women and elderly people, reluctant to use the bridge.
Pedestrian Md Shamin said the bridge had been built to provide a safe way to cross the road, but its present condition had made it difficult to use.
“Shops at the stairway entrances, rubbish and the damaged structure are discouraging people from using it,” he said, calling for immediate repairs, removal of illegal occupation and regular cleaning.
Another pedestrian, Humayun, alleged that inadequate lighting and a lack of regular monitoring had turned the bridge into a hangout for drug addicts. He called for regular police patrols, adequate lighting and strict monitoring.
Local traders said the bridge’s poor condition had caused people to lose interest in using it. They said repairing it would encourage pedestrians to use the bridge and help reduce the risk of road accidents.
Patuakhali Municipal Administrator Jewel Rana said the authorities were aware of the bridge’s condition.
“Necessary repairs, cleaning and removal of illegal occupation will be undertaken very soon,” he said, adding that the municipality would take necessary measures to ensure safe passage.
City residents said the important infrastructure, built at a cost of around Tk 3.5 crore, should not be allowed to deteriorate through neglect. They demanded immediate repairs, regular maintenance, adequate lighting and removal of illegal occupation to restore the bridge as a safe route for pedestrians. #EK
