The bridge over Rahmatkhali canal in Chandrogonj upazila of Lakshmipur collapsed, disrupting communication over the last six days. This has caused severe hardship for over a hundred thousand people, including students from eight educational institutions in five villages.
The bridge collapsed suddenly on Saturday afternoon due to strong water currents. Since then, traffic on the Chandraganj-Chorsahi road has been suspended. As a result, the authorities at Chandrogonj Kafil Uddin Degree College and the University were forced to postponed exams as the students could not come to the collge.
Priyobroto Chowdhury, the acting principal of Kafil Uddin University College, told the media that the exams for the 11th grade were scheduled to begin on Monday, but due to the collapsed bridge, all academic activities were suspended. Students have to cross the bridge to reach the college. If a temporary bridge is not constructed soon, students will be unable to attend the college.
Locals report that the bridge, constructed almost 40 years ago by the Department of Relief and Rehabilitation of that time, is located near Chandrogonj Kafil Uddin College in the sadar upazila. The bridge is approximately 60 feet long and 10 feet wide. The bridge connected Sheikhpur, Rajapur, Ramkrishnapur, and Charshahi unions, allowing nearly 8,000 students and over a hundred thousand people to travel daily to and from Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Choumuhani roads.
Authorities from the local administration explained that water from various canals, beels, and water bodies in Noakhali and Lakshmipur has not fully receded. The water is flowing through the Rahmatkhali canal, creating strong currents that caused the bridge to collapse.
Nurul Amin, Chandrogonj union parishad chairman, said that the bridge had been in a fragile condition for some time, and the issue had been reported to the relevant authorities for repair. With the collapse, all types of vehicles have been completely unable to use the bridge.
Sakil Hossain, a local resident who lives near the bridge, mentioned that people from several unions, including students and vehicles from eight educational institutions, used this bridge. With the collapse, everyone is facing extreme difficulties.
Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Executive Engineer of Lakshmipur LGED, said that the bridge has become unusable due to the collapse. Given its importance, the ministry has been notified and a request for the construction of a new 30-meter bridge and an alternative bridge at the site has been sent.
