Photo : BSS

BAGERHAT, Sept 6, 2026 (BSS) - The authorities have taken steps to resume and complete the construction of the Laxmikhali Bridge over a canal on the border of Bagerhat Sadar and Rampal upazilas, raising hopes that the long-standing communication woes of thousands of people will soon end.

The construction work has remained stalled for months, forcing residents of at least 10 villages in the two upazilas to cross the canal using a dilapidated wooden footbridge at considerable risk.

According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), a work order was awarded to contractor Nishith Basu in late 2024 following a tender process to construct a permanent bridge over the Laxmikhali canal. The project cost was estimated at Tk 3.84 crore. The work was scheduled to be completed by April 12, 2026.

Locals said construction began with piling work but made little progress after November 3 last year. Work eventually stopped after several piles were installed following a load test. Construction materials, machinery and the workers' quarters have since remained at the site.

The existing wooden crossing has also deteriorated badly. Some sections have broken, while parts of the structure have sunk or become damaged. During the rainy season, the connecting road becomes slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.

Every day, students, patients, farmers, women, elderly people and other residents use the unsafe crossing to travel between the two upazilas.

Locals said the bridge is an important communication link for residents of at least 10 villages, who depend on the route to access markets, educational institutions and healthcare facilities and to transport agricultural produce. In the absence of the bridge, they have to travel an additional 15 kilometres via an alternative route, increasing both travel time and costs.

Local resident Narayan Majumdar said construction stopped shortly after it began. He said the contractor disappeared after installing a few piles following the load test.

"People have repeatedly contacted the authorities and even formed a human chain demanding action. We want the bridge completed as soon as possible," he said.

Md Shariful Islam of East Saira said the situation had become more difficult since the old bridge was removed for construction of the new one. A broken section in the middle of the wooden crossing has made it particularly dangerous for schoolchildren, he said.

Contractor Al Amin said the work was currently suspended because of rain and poor road conditions, which were preventing the transportation of construction materials. He said the work would resume and be completed soon.

Bagerhat LGED Executive Engineer Mohammad Manjur Rashid said Nishith Basu had been awarded the contract but failed to make satisfactory progress within the stipulated period.

He said LGED had sent a letter to the project director's office seeking cancellation of the contractor's work order and had also informed the higher authorities.

"If approval is received to cancel the work order, further action will be taken in accordance with the rules. After that, initiatives will be taken to resume and complete the construction work quickly," he said.

Local residents hope the authorities will act promptly to complete the bridge. They believe the new crossing will significantly improve access to education, healthcare, markets and agricultural transportation for thousands of people in Bagerhat Sadar and Rampal and bring an end to their long-standing hardship.