50,000 people stranded as key bridge collapses in Sunamganj

The collapse of  Berigaon bridge in Surma union of Sunamganj Sadar has left around 50,000 people effectively cut off, disrupting communication in at least three unions  and causing severe hardship for residents.

The decades-old bridge, a key transport link for Surma, Jahangirnagar and Rangarchar unions, collapsed during Ramadan, halting the movement of people and vehicles and forcing commuters to take long alternative routes.

Constructed during the Pakistan era to ensure easier movement for people in the then greater Rangarchar area, the bridge had long been in a vulnerable condition. 

Local residents said it had remained risky for nearly three decades despite repeated complaints to authorities and elected representatives.

In early 2024, the bridge underwent temporary repairs after being declared unsafe but those measures failed to hold, eventually leading to its collapse.

With the bridge now completely unusable, residents are forced to travel nearly two kilometres via Mangal Kanta Bazar in neighbouring Jahangirnagar union, significantly increasing travel time and transport costs.

The disruption has particularly affected students, office-goers and patients, many of whom are struggling to access schools, workplaces and healthcare services.

"Transport costs have increased, and we are avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary. It has become very difficult to commute to the town," said Shah Rukh Mia, a local resident.

Another resident, Abdur Rahman, said the collapse has severely disrupted daily life. "We are facing immense hardship. A new bridge must be built immediately," he said.

Expressing frustration, Suhel Ahmed said the northern part of Surma has long been neglected in terms of development. "Despite electing representatives repeatedly, our problems remain unresolved," he added.

Jahangirnagar Union Parishad Chairman Rashid Ahmed said the bridge was the main communication route for the area and its collapse has intensified public suffering. "A new bridge is urgently needed to restore normal life," he said.

Md Anwar Hossain, senior assistant engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Sunamganj, said a temporary structure similar to a Bailey bridge will be installed using slab components to restore movement of people and vehicles.

"At the same time, the process of constructing a new bridge is already underway and efforts are being made to complete it as quickly as possible," he said.