Damaged and neglected

A key bridge over Dhalai River, connecting Chaitraghat area with Kamalganj upazila in Moulvibazar, has long been in a dilapidated state and eventually collapsed on September 26.

The bridge connected to Moulvibazar Sadar through the Moulvibazar-Shamshernagar-Chatlapur road, but the connection has been severed as the Roads and Highways Department moved to halt traffic movement on the bridge since September 26 afternoon, causing much suffering to thousands of commuters of Kamalganj, Kulaura, and Rajnagar upazilas.

Locals complained that due to constant sand lifting from the river by dredger machines, a pillar in the middle of the Dhalai bridge was leaning for around 15 days, making traffic movement on the bridge extremely risky, before it collapsed.

Kaishar Mia, a commuter on the route, said they have to travel several extra kilometres to reach Moulvibazar Sadar via Kalenga, using a dilapidated road.

Nurul Mohaimen Milton, general secretary of Environment Journalists' Forum, said the broken bridge has also had a negative impact on tourism in the district.

Zia Uddin, executive engineer of RHD in Moulvibazar, said they have taken steps for renovation work.