Habib Sarwar Azad, Sylhet Bureau

Construction of the 750-meter Jadukata Bridge over the Jadukata River in Tahirpur Upazila under Sunamganj district remains incomplete eight years after commencement, missing its original completion target by six years and prompting authorities to cancel the original contractor's agreement.

According to Sunamganj Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) sources, the Tk 85.99 crore project was initially awarded to Toma Construction through a tender process, with work commencing in December 2018 under a strict mandate to complete the bridge by May 2020. Despite all piers, 12 out of 15 spans, and 60 out of 75 girders being finished—representing approximately 80 to 85 percent total physical progress—the project faced continuous delays, sparking severe public frustration over administrative oversight and slow execution.

The infrastructure project is vital for regional commerce and tourism, designed to establish direct road networks connecting Tahirpur and Sunamganj with Netrokona, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Dhaka. Once operational, the bridge will facilitate vehicular movement to key tourist destinations including Tanguar Haor, Barek Tila, Shimul Bagan, and the Tekerghat Shahid Siraj Lake, while expediting freight transport for coal and limestone imported through the Barchhara, Charagaon, and Bagli land customs stations.

Due to the prolonged inactivity and failure to meet repeated deadlines, LGED officially canceled Toma Construction's contract and invited fresh tenders for the remaining work.

 Tahirpur Upazila LGED Engineer Md. Jahidul Islam confirmed that a new firm, Baset Engineer Limited, has been selected to complete the unfinished bridge work, though local residents continue to express concern over further delays while relying on hazardous ferry crossings across four points of the Jadukata River.