Bank Colony Road in Chandpur submerged by the incessant downpour on Sunday — FE Photo CHANDPUR, July 12: Under the influence of heavy downpour for the past few days, a part of the approach road to the Dhonagoda River Bridge in Chandpur district has developed cracks and crevices on the northern side creating panic among local residents.
As a result, people and all modes of transports are running with utmost caution.
Talking to the FE at the vulnerable site of the bridge, local elites Tanvir Hossain and Golam Nabi said they are using this bridge amid risks. The situation becomes too risky at night.
Talking to the FE, drivers Faruque, Kabir Hossain and Mafij Bokaul also echoed the same panic. Executive Engineer of the Road and Highways Department, Md Yunus Ali, said a portion of the approach road has collapsed due to incessant rainfall as well as sand used at the time of constructing the road.
"We are taking urgent steps to repair the collapsed part of the approach road. It would be okayed soon," he added. The approach roads on both sides of the bridge are about 1.86 kilometres.
Meanwhile, due to the heavy downpour continuing since last Wednesday, normal life in Chandpur town has come to a halt increasing sufferings of people and day labourers.
Many roads, lanes and by-lanes including Bishnudi Road, Nazirpara Road, Mollabari road, Chandpur Govt College premises and road, Bank Colony area, Rahmatpur Colony and Soap Factory area beside Truck Road and some other low-lying areas in the town have gone under rainwater that have created water-logging because of poor drainage system.
Meanwhile, due to the inclement weather, prices of vegetables and fish have also soared by Tk20-50 per kg in the local haats and bazars.
Tomato is selling at Tk240 per kg while carrot sells at Tk180 per kg. All other vegetables like cucumber, okra, ridge gourd, yard long bean, brinjal, green chilli , bottle gourd, tease gourd are selling at Tk 80.00-90 .00 per kg in the kitchen markets. Potato and lemon are selling relatively cheaper.
On November 21, last year, the bridge developed cracks and gaps between two paved parts in the middle and also widened due to strong impact of earthquake.
A few years ago, another portion of the approach road also collapsed due to heavy downpour on the eastern side. Later it was repaired urgently by the Roads and Highways Department.
It is worth-mentioning that the 304.50 metre long and 10.25 metre wide bridge over the Dhonagoda River in Matlab Dakhshin upazila was constructed in 2018 at a cost of Tk920 million to connect Matlab Dakhshin to Matlab Uttar upazila and also to connect the capital city Dhaka with Matlab , Chandpur Sadar , Haimchar, Faridganj, Hajiganj, Ramganj, Roypur, Luxmipur and Noakhali.
Since after opening, thousands of vehicles and people use the bridge saving time, money and fuel.
The bridge will help trade and commerce flourish significantly enhancing connectivity immensely.
maayerbadhon@gmail.com
© 2026 - All Rights with The Financial Express
