spending their days in fear of a major accident at any moment.

Horrible erosion in Pillar: Thousands of people and drivers of Lata Union of Mehendiganj are in fear Information sent by Md. Junayet Hossain (Kazirhat Police Station Representative) on funeral / Barisal Digant Press / Even though it is fit at the top, it is like 'Sadarghat' from below. This is now a cruel reality in the case of an important bridge of No. 2 Lata Union of Barisal's Mehendiganj Upazila. The pillar of the connecting bridge from Banglabazar to Hazirhat in Lata Union of Kazirhat police station of the upazila has suffered severe corrosion. As the lower part of the main pillar is disappearing under the river, the local people are

spending their days in fear of a major accident at any moment. This main bridge located on the west side of Kazirhat Bazar is very old as can be seen from the dilapidated condition of the pillars and the crowd. At present the condition of the two pillars of the bridge is very fragile. The concrete of the pillar was eroded by the flow of water and the inner rod was about to come out. According to locals, the bridge looks operational from the outside but its foundation is now shaky.

Hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people pass through this bridge every day in fear of drivers and pedestrians. The bridge shakes especially during the movement of heavy goods vehicles, which has caused extreme panic among the drivers. A regular driver said, "There is no guarantee when the bridge will collapse. One has to drive in fear, but as there is no alternative route, one is forced to use this dangerous bridge."

Residents claim to the government, due to the dilapidated condition of the bridge, the movement of large vehicles has become almost impossible. Due to this, the business and commerce of the area and the movement of common people have come to a standstill. The local villagers and drivers have only one demand - Bangladesh government should take measures to rebuild the bridge as soon as possible before any major loss of life or accident occurs. They are seeking urgent intervention from the concerned authorities to ensure safe travel.