, June 27 -- A bridge built over the Sonamati canal in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur at a cost of more than Tk 8 lakh has become a symbol of poor planning, with local farmers alleging that it has brought them little or no benefit due to the absence of approach roads on either side.

The bridge constructed in Bhendabari village under Bhendabari union stands isolated amid vast stretches of farmland, making it virtually unusable for the people it was intended to serve.

Although the structure was built to facilitate farmers' movement and transportation of crops, farmers said they are unable to use it because there are no connecting roads and both ends of the bridge are significantly higher than the surrounding fields.

"We cannot even take our ...