Residents of about 30 villages in Kulaura upazila, Moulvibazar, are relying on an unstable bamboo footbridge after a concrete bridge over the Fanai River on the Palgram-Mukundapur road collapsed and was submerged by floodwaters. The disruption affects people in three unions and hundreds of school, college and madrasa students, according to the report published on August 22, 2026.

Locals said the bridge, built 10 years ago, was swept away by floodwater five years ago. Villagers later financed the bamboo crossing, but it too goes underwater during sudden floods and hill runoff in the monsoon. Students use the route to reach Longla Modern Degree College, Master Sharafat Ali High School, Chowdhury Bazar Alim Madrasa and other institutions.

Vehicle movement has stopped on the route, affecting ambulances, wedding vehicles and transport of rice, cattle, buffaloes and vegetables. Residents are using much longer roads instead. Students said crossing the bamboo structure puts their lives at risk and has discouraged some from attending classes. Upazila নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা Sanzida Akter said she was newly posted and would look into the matter to arrange bridge construction as soon as possible.