7 years on, Sunamganj's 'Friendship Bridge' remains incomplete

Construction of a 'Friendship Bridge' over the Jadukata River in Sunamganj remains incomplete even after seven years, leaving residents on both banks of the river increasingly frustrated.

Launched on 4 December 2018 under the Construction of Important Bridges on Rural Roads project by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 750-metre bridge was originally scheduled for completion within 30 months.

But, the project has undergone four deadline extensions over the past seven years, with significant portions still unfinished.

Despite several girders being installed across the river, the bridge lacks full connectivity—depriving hundreds of thousands of residents in Tahirpur, Bishwambarpur, Dharmapasha and Madanagar upazilas of improved road access.

The incomplete structure has not only disrupted communication but also hindered potential growth in trade, tourism and employment in the region, according to locals.

The bridge, situated between Garkati and Binnakuli villages in Tahirpur's Badaghat union, was envisioned as a vital link to enhance connectivity with three customs stations and popular tourist destinations along the scenic Jadukata River.

Yet, more than half a decade on, locals are still forced to cross the river by boat, risking their lives, particularly during the monsoon season.

According to LGED, the project was awarded to Toma Construction at an estimated cost of Tk86 crore.

So far, 57 of the planned 75 girders and 10 of 15 slabs have been installed.

Eighteen girders and five slabs remain pending, with no clear completion date in sight.

"Had the bridge been completed, we wouldn't be suffering like this. It would have opened up income opportunities for people like us driving CNG-run or battery-powered rickshaws," said Nurul Alam, a resident of Binnakuli village.

He added that crossing the river takes around 30 minutes by boat, longer during the rainy season, with additional costs and safety risks.

"There have even been cases of boats capsizing," he said.

"Traders can't directly bring goods from Dhaka to the local markets due to the lack of a bridge. Transportation costs have risen, and so has suffering," said Kabir Bhuiyan, a businessman at Badaghat Bazar.

Abul Hossain, a local social worker, said, "The bridge could create new opportunities in tourism and trade and generate employment for many unemployed youths. But everything is stuck."

Badaghat Union Parishad Chairman Md Nizam Uddin stated, "People are suffering. If the authorities complete the bridge with the urgency it deserves, the long-cherished dream of the locals will come true, and it will mark a milestone in regional connectivity."

When asked about the delay, Project Manager Mohammad Nasir of Toma Construction cited recurring floods and natural disasters as the primary reasons.

He expressed the hope that the bridge would be completed by May 2026.

Sunamganj LGED Executive Engineer Mohammad Anwar Hossain said the contractor has been instructed to expedite the work.