A wooden footbridge over the Nautara River collapsed while Nilphamari-1 MP Principal Abdus Sattar was inspecting it in Natabari, Nautara Union, on Wednesday morning. Several Jamaat leaders and activists fell into the river after the rear section gave way, and at least two people were injured. Local residents quickly rescued those who fell, while the two injured people received local treatment.

Residents said Natabari and nearby communities have long lacked a permanent bridge over the river, leaving the deteriorated wooden structure as their only means of crossing. The footbridge was built with local funding and had become worn down after prolonged use. Union Parishad Chairman Ashik Imtiaz Morshed said many people had climbed onto it with the MP before it suddenly broke.

Abdus Sattar said the structure was risky and collapsed under pressure after he and accompanying activists stepped onto it. He said some people tore their clothes in the fall and confirmed that two were injured. The MP said he would discuss construction of a permanent government-funded bridge with the relevant authorities.