A sand-laden vessel struck and collapsed an iron bridge over Jalobari canal in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, cutting road communication for three days. The incident occurred on Sunday morning on a connecting road from Putiyakhali Mirerhat in Galua union to the Arua-Sonargaon road. Thousands of people in Rajapur, Bhandaria and Kathalia upazilas have been affected.

Residents are crossing by ferry at risk and paying Tk5 per person because vehicles cannot use the route. The vessel was recovered and removed after the collision, but traffic has not resumed because the bridge has not been repaired. Locals said the bridge had already been in a vulnerable condition and required repairs for a long time.

They also alleged that bridges in different areas are damaged by sand-carrying vessels, while no effective action is taken against those responsible. The vessel’s owner, Badsha Sikdar, declined to comment. Rajapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rifat Ara Mouri said swift action would be taken to ease public suffering. Upazila Engineer Abhijit Majumdar said legal action would be taken against the vessel owner.