After being closed for 56 days due to inundation, the iconic hanging bridge of Rangamati has reopened to the tourists.
Authorities reopened the bridge for public use starting from Friday.
Since morning, locals and tourists have begun visiting the bridge.
The Rangamati Tourism Corporation cleaned up debris and water hyacinth from the bridge, making it accessible for tourists.
However, authorities stated that beautification work in the area, including the bridge, would begin later this month.
The platform of the attractive hanging bridge had submerged under Kaptai Lake on August 23, when the water level rose due to mountain torrents. Considering safety, the Tourism Corporation had restricted access to the bridge at that time.
Every year during the monsoon season, heavy rainfall and torrents from the hills cause the water level of Kaptai Lake to rise, submerging the bridge.
On Friday afternoon, a visit to Rangamati revealed that several families had come to visit the hanging bridge after it was reopened for tourists.
Sharmin and Nilufar, tourists from Chittagong, said: "We have come to Rangamati after a long time. It feels great to see the hanging bridge reopened. However, it could use a bit more cleaning," they added.
A local tourist, Anoy, said: "The bridge had been underwater for a long time. Since it became visible today, I decided to come here with my family for a holiday outing."
Fakhrul Islam, the employee in charge of the Rangamati Tourism boat dock, said: "After 1 month and 26 days, the water has receded from the hanging bridge, and it is now fully visible. Although the water level dropped on Thursday, the bridge has been opened for tourists starting today."
Ramzan Ali, the vice-president of the Rangamati Tourist Boat Owners Association, said: "Even though the water has receded from the hanging bridge, we are still concerned about whether tourists will come since the government has been discouraging tourism in Rangamati."
He added: "On Wednesday, we met with the police superintendent and the deputy commissioner, along with all the organizations involved in the tourism business. They assured us that the discouragement of tourism might be lifted after the upcoming Prabarana Purnima festival."
Alok Bikash Chakma, the manager of the Rangamati Tourism Corporation, said: "After a long time, the hanging bridge has been reopened to tourists. Since this morning, over a hundred tourists have visited the bridge. However, due to the ongoing rains, painting the bridge is still pending. Once the rains subside, all necessary work will be completed."
In 1984, the Tourism Corporation built the hanging bridge between two hills on the shores of Kaptai Lake to attract tourists.
Each year, Thousands of tourists from both within the country and abroad come to Rangamati to enjoy the beauty of this bridge and Kaptai Lake.