For the residents of Shahjahanpur, Alatuli and Charbagdanga unions in Sadar upazila of Chapainawabganj, a 60-metre bridge over the Narendrapur–Kachrar canal is more than just concrete and steel--it is the promise of easier journeys and safer roads.

But that promise remains unfulfilled, as approach roads are still incomplete and construction has stalled repeatedly.

The bridge, initiated in 2023 by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) at a cost of Tk 6.90 crore, was originally scheduled for completion in March this year. But land acquisition issues and delayed compensation for local landowners have forced residents to take detours of nearly 10 kilometres every day.

Now, locals said, the new completion deadline has been extended to June next year.

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Jashim, a local resident, described the daily struggle, saying, “Landowners did not allow the work to continue because they hadn’t received compensation. After much persuasion, work started, but they obstructed it again during soil-filling. Work has been stopped for nearly seven months. Many accidents occurred due to the poor condition of the road. Because of this small stretch, we now have to travel an extra 10 kilometres every day.”

Rahim highlighted the safety hazards, stating, “If the bridge was completed, movement would be easier. Now the deep ditch causes auto-rickshaws to overturn frequently, injuring our relatives.”

Another local man, Rafique, bemoans, “When the work began, we hoped to reach the town more quickly. But now motorcycles are overturned and heavy vehicles cannot pass. Despite a Tk 7-crore bridge, we are getting no benefit. We demand its quick completion.”

Contacted, contractor Md Selim explained the delay, saying, “The work had to be suspended due to obstruction by landowners who had yet to receive their compensation. The funds have reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Once legal procedures are completed and landowners are paid, work will resume.”

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Azharul Islam, engineer of LGED under Sadar upazila, said the main structure is ready, with only approach roads pending.

“The land acquisition issue is close to being resolved. Work will resume soon and will be completed within two to three months,” he said.