At least six iron bridges along the 31-kilometre Sharshina–Swarupkathi–Kawkhali–Noikathi road in Pirojpur's Nesarabad upazila are in a vulnerable condition.

For over a decade, hundreds of people and vehicles have had to cross the bridges at grave risk, but no steps have yet been taken to replace them.

As a result, drivers and pedestrians are compelled to use the bridges in Shehangal, Laxmankathi, Napitkhali, Paschim Kamarkathi, Uttar Kamarkathi and Dakshin Swarupkathi villages amid the constant risk of accidents.

Of these, the longest bridge, located in Napitkhali village, is the most vulnerable.

"The bridges may collapse at any time. Since there is no alternative route, we are compelled to use them amid fear of accidents," said Alamgir Hossain, a pick-up van driver.

Mostafiz Billah, a local resident who commutes using the road regularly, said, "Every time a vehicle gets on any of the bridges, it swings sideways. It is urgent to replace these worn-out bridges with new ones to avoid any disastrous event," said truck driver Saiful Hasan.

Rafikul Islam, a resident of Shehangal village, said the bridges are more than 30 years old.

"Every day, a large number of vehicles including buses, goods-laden trucks, pick-up vans, battery-run auto-rickshaws and other motor vehicles, as well as pedestrians, move along the road and are forced to use the bridges at risk," he added.

Contacted, Tanvir Ahmed, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Pirojpur, said they are aware of the issue.

The tender process for constructing an 80-metre bridge in Napitkhali village has been completed and the project is now at the evaluation stage, he informed.

"We are also taking steps to construct bridges at other points to replace the old ones," Tanvir added.