Published : 31 Aug 2026, 08:32 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:37 AM
A badly damaged bridge on the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway in Narsingdi's Belabo Upazila is causing severe hardship for passengers and drivers, with a journey that should take an hour now taking up to four to five.
The surface asphalt and concrete of the Baraicha-Khamarer Char bridge have broken away, leaving large potholes. Drivers say the dangerous condition of the bridge is causing frequent accidents, while vehicle breakdowns often trigger long traffic jams along the highway.
Hundreds of long-haul buses and trucks, along with thousands of other vehicles, use the bridge every day. Passengers and transport workers said several parts of the bridge have deteriorated badly after years without proper monitoring or permanent repairs.
Vehicles are forced to cross the bridge slowly and cautiously because of the broken surface and potholes. Drivers fear that even a moment's carelessness could lead to a loss of control and an accident.
Local residents and regular commuters said a vehicle breaking down on the bridge can disrupt traffic across the highway, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded for hours.
Traffic jams can stretch for several kilometres, causing additional hardship for patients and people travelling for urgent work.
The potholes are also difficult to see at night, increasing the risk of accidents.
Md Shafiqul Mia, a three-wheeler driver, said traffic jams had become a regular problem because of the damaged bridge, making it difficult to take vegetables to market on time.
Truck driver Chandan Mia said heavy vehicles often become stuck when their wheels fall into the potholes.
"We carry heavy loads. When a wheel falls into one of these potholes, the vehicle cannot be pulled out. Sometimes the axle breaks and the vehicle remains stranded on the road. Then traffic builds up behind it. A one-hour journey is taking four to five hours," he said.
Bus driver Sohag Mia described driving through the Baraicha section as frightening, saying the potholes can break suspension springs or puncture tyres.
He said a broken-down vehicle can cause long tailbacks extending to Bhairab.
The congestion is also affecting local farmers.
Jewel Mia, a farmer from Hossain Nagar village, said morning traffic jams near Khamarer Char often prevent them from reaching markets on time with vegetables.
Mufti Tarikul Islam Golap said he encountered a traffic jam at around 3am on Sunday after returning from a religious gathering.
He said both the bridge's condition and drivers' behaviour contributed to the congestion.
Bhairab Highway Police chief Sumon Kumar Chowdhury said a truck had gotten stuck on the bridge two days earlier and police worked throughout the night to untangle the traffic.
Some potholes were levelled the following day, he said.
"The bridge is risky. An alternative bridge needs to be constructed," he said.
Locals have called for urgent permanent repairs and an alternative bridge to prevent accidents and reduce congestion.
Narsingdi Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Reza E Rabbi said preparations had been made for repair work.
"We could not carry out the bitumen work because of the rain. Preparations have been made and we will do it within a few days. I have inspected the bridge," he said.
