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The ambitious Bishwambharpur-Maheshkhala-Madhyanagar border road project, intended to connect vital areas in Sunamganj, is mired in controversy and uncertainty. The Shah Arefin (RA)-Advaita Mahaprabhu Maitree Bridge, a key component of this project, has seen its construction plagued by repeated failures, with seven girders collapsing within just two years. This alarming trend has understandably sparked fear among locals, who worry about the safety of hundreds of boats navigating the Jadukata river and the workers involved in the ongoing construction.

Officials from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have acknowledged the unprecedented nature of these repeated collapses in Sunamganj. The project, initially estimated at Tk 86 crore and awarded to Toma Construction in December 2018, has suffered from significant delays, with the company failing to complete the work over the past eight years despite multiple deadline extensions. The situation has been exacerbated by allegations of widespread irregularities and a lack of accountability, further fueling public frustration.

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We are shocked by such comments. The people demand an investigation and action against those responsible in both the construction and implementing agencies.

Adding to the complications, the owner of Toma Construction reportedly left the country for Canada. In response, the LGED is moving to cancel the contractor's appointment and launch a fresh tender process. However, the most recent collapse of five girders on Monday has necessitated a revised cost estimate and a new tender, a process that could take an additional month. Rebuilding the damaged sections alone is projected to take another eight to nine months. While LGED officials have cited issues with girder installation, local representatives like Amir Shah and Shamim Ahmed are demanding a thorough investigation into the construction and implementation agencies, rejecting explanations that attribute the collapses to mere wind. The repeated failures and delays not only represent a significant financial setback but also a profound disappointment for the communities anticipating the bridge's completion.

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The girders collapsed because the contractor had failed to use closed girders during installation.