Rangamati’s iconic hanging bridge has been submerged as the water level of Kaptai Lake rose sharply following days of heavy rain and upstream runoff from the hills.
The popular tourist attraction is now off-limits to visitors, leaving hundreds of tourists disappointed and dealing a blow to the local tourism industry.
The Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation has suspended access to the bridge for safety reasons. Red flags have been placed at the entrance and bamboo barriers installed to prevent visitors from entering the submerged structure.
Tourists arriving from different parts of the country said they were disappointed after finding the bridge underwater.
“I had wanted to see Rangamati’s Hanging Bridge up close for a long time. But after coming here, I found that the bridge was submerged. I could not even take a picture. It was really disappointing,” said Mohammad Ashraful Islam, who travelled from Dhaka with his family.
The closure has also affected businesses that depend on tourist arrivals.
More than a hundred engine-powered boats are reportedly lying idle at the local boat terminal as tourists have stopped coming for trips on Kaptai Lake.
Shops selling traditional clothing, textiles and handicrafts are also struggling due to the sharp decline in customers, with some traders saying their daily sales have fallen to almost zero.
Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, leaseholder of the local Boat Owners’ Association, said the current period is crucial for their livelihoods.
“The tourist rush during this time of year helps support our families throughout the year. But since the bridge was submerged, our income has completely stopped. If the situation continues, we will have to bear significant financial losses,” he said.
Hotel owner Mohammad Sumon Mia said the hanging bridge is one of the main attractions for visitors to Rangamati.
“Many tourists come to Rangamati to visit the bridge. Since it was submerged, hotel bookings have been cancelled every day. The decline in tourist arrivals is causing losses for hotels, motels and restaurants,” he said.
Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourism Corporation, said the bridge was submerged after the water level of Kaptai Lake rose due to heavy rainfall and runoff from the hills.
“The bridge is currently under 4-6 inches of water. For the safety of visitors, we have put up red flags and blocked access with bamboo barriers,” he said.
He said authorities hope the water level will recede within a few days, after which the restrictions on visitors will be lifted.
Meanwhile, Rangamati District Council Chairman Dipan Talukdar Dipu said a survey for the construction of a new bridge had already been conducted.
“We hope construction of a new, modern bridge at a higher elevation will begin soon. Once completed, the new bridge will help attract more tourists to Rangamati,” he said.