A Bailey bridge over Dolukhhal on the border of Putibila and Chunati unions in Lohagara, Chattogram, has become dangerously unstable amid illegal sand extraction, according to the report. Nearly 200,000 people from two upazilas are using the bridge despite the risks. The bridge serves areas including Putibila, Faranga and Pantrisha, where sand is reportedly being extracted from the canal.

For years, dredgers and shallow machines have allegedly removed sand from beneath and around the bridge. Hundreds of heavy vehicles carrying sand, soil and trees also regularly cross it, worsening its condition. The structure shakes when vehicles pass, while iron plates at many points have bent. Even rickshaws and CNG-powered vehicles are crossing at risk, and local residents fear the bridge could collapse without urgent repairs.

Lohagara Upazila Engineer Kazi Fahad Bin Mahmud said a proposal has been sent for construction of a new bridge. He said a warning banner has been installed to discourage the movement of excessively heavy vehicles. Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bayezid-Bin-Akhond said regular drives are being conducted against illegal sand extraction and would continue in the public interest.