Patuakhali, June 16 -- Nearly five years after construction began, a bridge in Patuakhali that was meant to improve connectivity remains unusable, leaving around 10,000 residents of eight villages struggling with daily hardships.

Initiated by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in 2021 at a cost of about Tk 3.5 crore, the bridge was designed to connect Kuripaika with neighbouring Bhuria Union and ease transportation for local residents.

Although the main structure has largely been completed, the absence of approach roads on both sides has prevented the bridge from being opened to traffic.

Locals are being forced to use temporary wooden ladders to cross the structure, exposing themselves to safety risks on a daily basis....