Thousands of residents in Kuhalong Union of Bandarban Sadar are enduring severe hardship as a bridge over the Camlong stream, damaged by repeated floods, remains unsafe and unusable for vehicles.
The bridge, which first collapsed during the devastating floods of 2019, has never been fully repaired. As a result, residents—including students from at least five educational institutions—have been forced to cross the damaged structure daily, risking their lives due to the lack of an alternative route.
According to local sources, Kuhalong Union is home to more than 13,000 people. Around 5,000 residents of Camlong Para, Bhangamura Para, Barua Para, Marma Para, Dhalu Para, Chemir Mukh and Goalia Khola rely on the bridge to travel to Bandarban town and transport fruits and vegetables to markets in Chittagong and other areas.
The recent floods, triggered by days of heavy rainfall across Bandarban, have further weakened the bridge. Large sections are broken, while layers of mud deposited by floodwaters have made even pedestrian movement hazardous.
“The bridge has become a death trap. People have been suffering for years, but we have no other way to travel,” said Thuy Nu Ching Marma, a resident of Camlong area.
Local jeep driver Md Alam said the bridge had remained damaged for years and was further battered by the latest floods.
“Vehicles can no longer cross the bridge safely, disrupting transport and trade in the area,” he said.
Another resident, Md Jahangir, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in rebuilding the bridge despite its importance to thousands of people.
Kuhalong Union Parishad Chairman Mongpu Marma said the bridge's collapse has severely disrupted the movement of people and goods. He added that the matter has repeatedly been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities.
Responding to the concerns, LGED Bandarban Executive Engineer Pratipada Dewan said a contractor has already been appointed to construct a new bridge over the Camlong stream at a cost of Tk 5 crore.
“The project has been approved and construction work will begin soon. Once completed, the new bridge will significantly improve communication and transportation in the area,” he said.
