Residents of Mirzapur upazila of Tangail and neighbouring areas are facing severe transportation difficulties as an approximately 90-metre-long bridge over the Kam arpara River in Bhaora union remains incomplete, forcing residents to use a makeshift bamboo walkway to access it.
Although the main structure of the bridge was completed, the approach roads on both sides remain unfinished ,despite construction beginning in the 2020-2021 fiscal year .During the monsoon, people rely on ferry boats to cross the river, while the unstable bamboo structure is their main option in the dry season.
People have to use a makeshift bamboo walkway to access the bridge, leaving thousands of residents uncertain about when the project will be completed.
The unfinished bridge has disrupted communication between Mirzapur upazila headquarters and neighbouring Dhamrai, Manikganj and Saturia upazilas. Mirzapur Upazila Engineer Md. Jalal Uddin said the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) allocated Tk 10.60 crore for the project .
Construction of the approximately 90-metre-long bridge began in the 2020-2021 fiscal year over the Kam arpara River in Bhaora Union.
Although considerable progress was made by late 2024, the approach roads on both sides of the bridge remained unfinished due to various complications.
In 2025, LGED applied to the relevant authorities for an additional Tk 3.50 crore to construct the approach roads on both sides. However, as the additional funds have not been allocated, work on the approach roads and the installation of railings on the bridge remains suspended.
As a result, the bridge has yet to provide any meaningful benefit to local residents. During the monsoon, people cross the river by ferry boat, while in the dry season they use a shaky bamboo walkway to reach the bridge, exposing themselves to considerable inconvenience and potential risks.
Mirzapur Upazila Engineer Md. Jalal Uddin said he had recently joined his post and was working in consultation with the local Member of Parliament to complete important public infrastructure projects.
Regarding the unfinished Kamarpara bridge in Bhaora union, he said he had spoken with officials of the contracting firm and instructed them to complete the work as soon as possible.
“We hope the work will be completed by June,” he said.
Former headteacher Md. Manjur Kader, teachers’ leader Md. Farhad Hossain, and college students Samia and Monir, among those affected said the failure to complete the important bridge over the past six to seven years had caused persistent transportation problems.
They added that thousands of marginal farmers in Mirzapur and neighbouring Dhamrai, Manikganj and Saturia were being deprived of fair prices for their agricultural produce because of poor connectivity.
Bhaora Union Parishad Chairman Md. Masudur Rahman Masud said construction had progressed slowly due to complications, including land disputes and legal cases related to the approach roads.
He said several arbitration meetings had been held with local residents to resolve the disputes and that the problems had been addressed.
“We hope the contractor will now be able to complete the remaining work,” he said.
Md. Imran Hossain, a partner of the contracting firm Yunus and Brothers, said various complications had delayed construction. He maintained that the main structure of the bridge had been completed, but the approach roads on both sides had been delayed by funding shortages and land-related complications.
He said LGED had given the contractor until June to complete the remaining work.
“If the funds are allocated and the land-related complications are resolved, we hope to complete and hand over the entire project by June,” he added.