People suffer as bridge collapses in Gopalpur

A footbridge on Bairan river at Gopalpur municipality in Tangail has recently collapsed, causing sufferings of the local people.

Hundreds of people and light vehicles used to ply on the risky bridge every day. However, no casualties were reported as it collapsed on the early hours on June 11, said Asadul Hoque Masum, a local resident, who witnessed it.

Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) constructed the bridge at Konabari Bazar and Kali Temple point on 1992 in order to facilitate the movement of the local people to the local markets.  However, the soil under the pillars on one side of the bridge washed away during last year's prolonged and devastating flood, locals said.

The railing of the bridge had also collapsed before where bamboos were in place to prevent accidents, they said.

The bridge was also declared risky about six years ago, said Zoynal Abedin, a local rights activist.   

Although local people had been demanding that the damaged bridge be repaired but nothing was done in this regard, he said.

Rakibul Haque Chhana, mayor of Gopalpur municipality, said he has already visited the spot after the old bridge collapsed.

"Previously Tk 3 crore was allocated for constructing a new bridge in place of the vulnerable bridge on the river," he said.

Works to construct the new bridge will start as soon as possible, the Mayor said adding that now a bamboo bridge will be constructed temporarily for the movement of the people.