Photo : Messenger
The Shah-Arefin (RA) Advaita Mahaprabhu Friendship Bridge spanning Sunamganj's Tahirpur Upazila and the Haor region was initially heralded as a transformative project, promising to connect communities and unlock the potential of the breathtaking natural beauty that characterises the border area.
However, what was anticipated to be a 30-month endeavour stretched into an agonising 84 months, leaving locals disillusioned and frustrated.
The bridge envisioned as a beacon for tourism and economic growth, commenced construction in March 2018 near Binnakuli Bazaar and the ISKCON Mandir in Garkati, tracing the banks of the picturesque Jadukata River. Yet, instead of facilitating access to this enchanting landscape, its unfinished state has become a symbol of dashed hopes and unfulfilled promises.
In the midst of this prolonged delay, the burgeoning influx of tourists to the upazila underscores the urgent need for reliable infrastructure. As visitors flock to revel in the area's natural wonders, they are confronted with perilous crossings over the Jadukata River, risking life and limb on makeshift boats. Meanwhile, the communities on either side of the divide languish in isolation, devoid of the socio-economic benefits that the bridge was meant to deliver.
According to locals, the stagnation in bridge construction stems from the negligence of contractors and responsible authorities, including the former MP.
A local who wished to remain anonymous lamented and said that what should have been a two-year project has stretched into a seven-year ordeal due to sheer negligence from the concerned authorities.
Karuna Sindu Chowdhury Babul, Chairman of Tahirpur Upazila Parishad, echoed the same sentiments and said that the bridge symbolised the aspirations of the entire upazila, but now it’s nothing more than disappointment. He pointed fingers at the irresponsible authorities, whose inaction has stoked public frustration, emphasising the transformative potential the bridge holds for the district.
Highlighting the significance of the project, Babul underscored that it was Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visionary initiative. He emphasised that the completion of the bridge would not only alter the district's landscape but also catalyse the development of Tahirpur and its neighbouring upazilas.
Offering insight into the construction progress, Kazi Fazlul Haque, Deputy Assistant Engineer of LGED, Tahirpur Upazila Engineering Department, cited a multitude of challenges, including natural disasters like COVID-19 and floods, for the delay. Nonetheless, he noted that substantial progress—approximately 76 percent completion—has been achieved.
He further expressed optimism that the remaining work could be wrapped up by May or June, signalling hope for the bridge's long-awaited fruition.
According to Tahirpur upazila engineer sources, the construction work of 'Shah Arefin (RA) and Advaita Mahaprabhu Maitri Bridge over the Jadukata River has been awarded to the contractor Tama Construction. The cost of construction of the 750-metre-long bridge has been estimated at Tk 85.86 crore.
Also, although other works on the bridge are said to be going on, the people of the area said that the work has actually stopped.
According to sources from the Tahirpur upazila engineering department, the construction of the 'Shah Arefin (RA) and Advaita Mahaprabhu Maitri Bridge' over the Jadukata River has been entrusted to the contractor Tama Construction. The project, estimated at a cost of Tk 85.86 crore, aims to span a length of 750 metres.
Despite reports suggesting ongoing work, locals attest that the construction has effectively halted. This stagnation is particularly concerning given the potential benefits the bridge could bring to the area.
Managed under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the bridge's completion promises to unlock the scenic beauty of the region, including the majestic Meghalaya Hills, the tranquil Jadukata River, and the historic sites such as Laudergarh Shah Arefin's Astana, Shimul Bagan, and the ruins of the Lauder Kingdom's historical capital, Holhaliya. Additionally, it would facilitate access to tourist attractions like Barektila, Shaheed Sirajlake, Barachra, Charagaon, Bagli Zero Point (Shalbandan), and Tanguar Haor, further enhancing the appeal of the region.
Moreover, improved road connectivity with the capital city, Dhaka, would foster easier travel between Tahirpur, Dharmapasha, Biswambhpur, and Madhyanagar upazilas, bolstering economic and social ties with the wider region.
Messenger/tareq
