Tourist movement on the Kaptai Lake hanging bridge in Rangamati has been suspended following the rise in water levels amid heavy rains.
The hanging bridge was submerged under about 6 inches of water as of Sunday.
Md Shahidul Islam, a tourist from Hathazari in Chittagong, said: "I have come to Rangamati to enjoy the beauty of the lake from the hanging bridge. Sadly, I was unable to access the bridge as it was underwater.”
Sujon, a tourist from Sylhet, said: "I have come from Sylhet with a lot of hope to see the hanging bridge. However, I am returning disheartened as the bridge is now underwater."
Alamgir, a tourist boat driver, said: "The bridge has been submerged due to the rise in the water level of Kaptai Lake. As a result, tourists are returning disappointed. They do not even rent boats. As long as there is water on the bridge, our boats will not be rented. We are struggling as this is our only source of income."
Tourism Boat Ghat Manager Md Ramzan Ali said: “Due to the rise in the water level of Kaptai Lake, the bridge went underwater on Sunday.”
He said: “A decrease in tourist numbers could result in a loss of several lakhs of taka. The bridge is a significant attraction for both domestic and international tourists. If the tourism authorities raise the bridge's height by five feet, it will enhance the tourist experience while minimizing any adverse impact on traders."
Alok Bikash Chakma, manager of Rangamati Tourism Corporation, said: “Starting Sunday morning, the authorities decided to temporarily shut down the bridge's entrance due to the submersion of the bridge slab. This closure is resulting in a daily financial loss ranging from Tk10,000 to Tk15,000."
