Thousands of residents, students and teachers in Rangamati's Baghaichhari Municipality are facing severe difficulties due to a collapsed connecting bridge that has remained broken for two years.
The bridge over the local canal connects Madhyam Para and Masterpara to Kachalong Government Degree College and Baghaichhari Baitul Sharaf Madrasa. Since the collapse all vehicular movement including CNGs, autorickshaws and motorcycles has stopped. Students and residents are forced to take risky, alternative routes which has significantly increased travel times and commuting costs. The lack of direct access also hampers emergency services and patient transport.
Local students and residents have expressed deep frustration over the prolonged administrative inaction. When questioned Upazila Engineer Md. Moniruzzaman stated that the bridge falls under the jurisdiction of the local municipality rather than the upazila engineering office.
Local residents are urgently appealing to both the municipal authorities and the upazila administration to build a new bridge and restore normal communication.
