Road communication between two unions has been severed after an iron bridge built over the Lebubunia Canal in Kathalia, Jhalakathi collapsed into the water on Thursday.
Kathalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mokbul Hossain confirmed the matter.
Thousands of people from several villages have been plunged into extreme hardship, as residents of these two unions are now forced to travel an additional five kilometres to reach their destinations. The bridge served as a vital link between Amribunia and Amua union.
According to locals, the bridge had been in a precarious condition for a long time, but no effective action was taken despite repeated demands for its renovation.
Biplob Chandra Mistri, a local resident, said, “Our daily life has been severely disrupted by the collapse of the bridge. Going to markets, travelling to schools and colleges, and taking patients to hospitals has now become extremely difficult.”
Acting Chairman of Kathalia Sadar union Mohammad Zakir Hossain noted that the iron bridge had been shaky for a long time, and the matter had been reported to the upazila administration.
UNO Mokbul said the officials have been instructed to repair it quickly.
