A nearly six-decade-old bridge over the Sutiya River in Trishal, Mymensingh, has developed cracks and structural damage in several sections. Due to a lack of proper repair and maintenance, concrete plaster has fallen away, exposing the reinforcement bars, while the middle section has also suffered damage. Despite the risks, thousands of people and vehicles use the bridge every day.

Built in 1967-68, the Sutiya Bridge is an important communication route in the Dhanikhola area of Trishal Upazila. Besides residents of nearby communities, a large number of small and heavy vehicles cross the bridge daily. With no major repair work carried out for a long time, several parts of the structure have become increasingly vulnerable.

A visit to the site found concrete plaster peeling off at various points, leaving reinforcement bars exposed. Signs of damage were also visible in the middle section. The bridge shakes when vehicles cross it, causing concern among drivers and passengers. The risk becomes more serious when heavy vehicles pass over it.

Local residents said the bridge has been in poor condition for a long time. Although the authorities have been informed several times, no permanent solution has been implemented. As a large number of people use the bridge every day, they fear a major accident could occur at any time.

They said the Sutiya Bridge is not merely a crossing but an essential part of daily communication for people in several surrounding areas. If traffic through the bridge is halted, residents would face severe difficulties. They therefore called for urgent repairs before any accident occurs.

The locals also demanded immediate repair work along with construction of a new bridge at the site as a long-term solution to the 59-year-old structure. They urged the authorities to take prompt and effective measures to ensure safe communication.

Trishal Upazila Executive Officer Hasnat Jahan Khan said, “We have spoken to the upazila engineer about the bridge. For now, we will do whatever is necessary to repair the bridge.”

Upazila Engineer Zubayet Hossain said a proposal has also been submitted for reconstruction of the bridge.