Sections of the walkway at Kaikartek Bridge in Narayanganj have allegedly been broken to steal metal rods and other components, raising concerns over pedestrian safety.
The bridge, which spans the Brahmaputra River at the junction of Sonargaon and Bandar upazilas, is an important transport link for residents of the two areas. Local people allege that a group of troublemakers and drug users have been breaking the walkway slabs with bricks and hammers, removing metal rods and other fittings and taking them away. Some damaged sections have reportedly been left with holes, creating a potential hazard for people using the walkway.
Residents said the alleged thefts are taking place even during daylight hours. They also claimed that people who have attempted to intervene have sometimes faced threats. The reported damage to a public structure has caused concern and anger in the surrounding community, with residents calling for prompt action to stop the theft and restore the damaged sections.
Kaikartek Bridge is regularly used by people travelling between Sonargaon and Bandar. Its location beside the Brahmaputra River has also made it a familiar recreational spot for local residents and visitors. Families often visit the area in the afternoon, adding to the number of pedestrians around the bridge.
The nearby century-old Kaikartek Hat is another reason for the area’s heavy footfall. Traders and customers from different parts of the country gather at the market, making the surrounding area busy with regular movement. Residents fear that damage to the bridge’s walkway could therefore affect a large number of people.
Local resident Aman-Ullah said many people visit the bridge every day. He alleged that drug users were using bricks and hammers to break the walkway slabs and remove the rods underneath. According to him, the materials are later sold to scrap dealers. He also claimed that those who try to stop the activity are threatened.
Another resident, Riazul Karim, described the bridge as an important route for people in both Bandar and Sonargaon as well as a place where people come for recreation. He said damage to such an important public structure in order to obtain money for drugs should not be tolerated. He warned that the holes created after slabs are removed could result in a serious accident.
The allegations have prompted a response from the Roads and Highways Department in Narayanganj. Executive Engineer Abdur Rahim said he had not previously been aware of the reported damage. He said arrangements would be made for a site inspection and that legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for damaging public property.
Sonargaon Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Abdul Bariq said no written complaint had yet been received by the police regarding the alleged theft. He said, however, that the matter was being taken seriously. Anti-drug operations are conducted in the area from time to time, he said, adding that efforts would be made to identify those involved in stealing components from the bridge and bring them under the law.
Residents are now seeking immediate attention from the relevant authorities, particularly to repair the damaged portions of the walkway and prevent further theft. With the bridge serving as both a transport route and a popular gathering place, they fear that leaving the broken sections unattended could increase the risk of accidents.
The Roads and Highways Department’s proposed inspection and the police effort to identify those allegedly involved will determine what action follows. Until the damaged areas are repaired and secured, local people remain concerned about the safety of pedestrians using the bridge.
