A bridge over the Jhalobari canal at Rajapur collapsed after being hit by a sand‑laden vessel, cutting off road communication for large parts of Rajapur, Kathalia and Bhandaria upazilas in Jhalakathi.
Thousands of residents in Putiakhali area have been left in distress. With road links severed, commuters are crossing the canal by boat at great risk.
Locals said the iron‑cast bridge, used daily by thousands across three upazilas, had long been in a risky condition. When the vessel struck, the structure gave way, halting all vehicular movement.
Residents of Arua, Sonargaon and surrounding areas in Rajapur along with major portions of Kathalia and Bhandaria, are now isolated from direct road transport.
Travel time and costs have risen as people are forced to take longer routes. Teachers and students dependent on the road fear they may not reach classes on time.
“This road is extremely important for the people of the three upazilas. Our movement has stopped completely, and students, patients and businessmen are suffering severely,” said residents Taslima Begum, Hemayet, Nadim and Abu Miah.
Locals demanded immediate reconstruction of the bridge. They alleged illegal sand transport caused the accident and urged authorities to identify the vessel, hold those responsible accountable, and recover rebuilding costs from them.
Residents warned that unless the road is restored quickly, suffering will intensify, especially for students, farmers, traders and those needing urgent travel.
They called for immediate inspection, damage assessment, reconstruction and legal action against the vessel.
Abhijit Mondal, Rajapur upazila engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), said steps would be taken swiftly to restore communication and assured that legal measures would be taken against the sand vessel.
