Md. Osman Gani , Upazila Correspondent, Chandina || The Bagur Bus Stand area along the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway in Chandina, Cumilla, has turned into a major hazard for pedestrians. Rapidly speeding long-route vehicles combined with reckless pedestrian habits have rendered this location increasingly accident-prone. Although a large footover bridge was built to ensure safe crossing, it currently stands as nothing more than a passive structure. A vast majority of commuters bypass the bridge entirely, instead forcing their way through or bending the steel barrier along the highway median. Consequently, severe accidents occur almost daily, claiming the lives of unwary pedestrians.On-ground observations reveal that Bagur Bus Stand serves as a bustling commercial and transit hub, drawing thousands of travelers daily. Yet, there remains a prevailing reluctance among pedestrians to use the overpass. To avoid the physical exertion of climbing stairs, people of all age groups, including the elderly, women, and children—risk their lives darting across the high-speed corridor. Pedestrians crowd through broken or widened gaps in the median barrier to cross over. Long-distance buses, trucks, and other high-speed vehicles often lack the braking distance to stop in time, resulting in tragic fatalities or permanent disabilities.Local administration and highway police have launched multiple initiatives to curb this dangerous practice. They have repeatedly conducted awareness drives, repaired the damaged median barriers, and encouraged commuters to use the footbridge. However, these efforts have only yielded temporary relief rather than a lasting solution. Shortly after repairs are completed, irresponsible individuals damage or cut through the steel barriers once again to create shortcuts. A combination of lax enforcement, lack of continuous surveillance, and widespread public indifference has ultimately rendered administrative actions ineffective.Local residents, business owners, and regular commuters have expressed deep concern over the uncontrolled situation at Bagur Bus Stand. They emphasize that constructing infrastructure alone is insufficient; enforcing strict, coordinated legal measures to compel footbridge usage is now an urgent necessity. Alongside fully securing the highway median barriers, regular highway police patrols must be stepped up to prevent illegal crossings and vandalism. Furthermore, authorities must ensure that the footover bridge remains clean, accessible, and safe for all users.With casualties mounting, inaction is no longer an option. Residents and victims' families are demanding a permanent solution. All cross-sections of the local community are calling for immediate intervention and decisive action from higher authorities to halt this hazardous practice at Bagur Bus Stand and secure the highway.