Tuesday, 09 December, 2025
A deep crack at the joint of the vital Matlab Bridge over the Dhonagoda River has raised alarm among residents and motorists, prompting fears of a major disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out.
The bridge, connecting Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas, serves as a lifeline for thousands of vehicles travelling to Dhaka from Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Raipur, Ramganj and Hajiganj every day.
Locals say the problem became visible after the 5.7-magnitude earthquake on 21 November, which shook much of the country. Some residents, however, have questioned the quality of the bridge’s construction, noting that older bridges in the region withstood the quake without damage.
During a site visit, engineers found shifting soil beneath the approach roads, creating a large cavity that exposed iron rods and lifted sections of concrete. A sizeable hole has also opened on the approach road, posing a hazard for unsuspecting drivers.
The bridge’s central joint has developed a noticeable gap, and the structure visibly trembles under heavy vehicles, leaving commuters fearful. “There were no such issues before the earthquake,” said Mojibur Rahman, a local resident, urging authorities to act immediately.
College teacher Md Joynal Abedin described the situation as “very alarming,” while schoolgirl Nusrat Jahan said she feels unsafe daily: “It shakes a lot when heavy vehicles go over it.”
Constructed during the 2015–16 fiscal year and completed in June 2018 at a cost of Tk 92 crore, the bridge was designed to improve connectivity and reduce travel time to Dhaka. Comprising seven spans, each 10.25 metres wide, and approach roads stretching 1.86 km, it has become a crucial artery for commuters, emergency services, and students.
Badiul Alam Babu, general secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai, warned: “The approach roads are also in very poor condition. This is an essential bridge. The department concerned must repair it without delay.”
Matlab South Upazila Engineer Anwar Hossain said repair work would begin “very soon,” while Chandpur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Aliul Hossain confirmed engineers are assessing the bridge and “necessary action will be taken based on the enquiry report.”
For now, however, thousands continue to cross the compromised bridge daily, hoping it will hold until repairs are completed.
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A deep crack at the joint of the vital Matlab Bridge over the Dhonagoda River has raised alarm among residents and motorists, prompting fears of a major disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out.
The bridge, connecting Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas, serves as a lifeline for thousands of vehicles travelling to Dhaka from Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Raipur, Ramganj and Hajiganj every day.
Locals say the problem became visible after the 5.7-magnitude earthquake on 21 November, which shook much of the country. Some residents, however, have questioned the quality of the bridge’s construction, noting that older bridges in the region withstood the quake without damage.
During a site visit, engineers found shifting soil beneath the approach roads, creating a large cavity that exposed iron rods and lifted sections of concrete. A sizeable hole has also opened on the approach road, posing a hazard for unsuspecting drivers.
The bridge’s central joint has developed a noticeable gap, and the structure visibly trembles under heavy vehicles, leaving commuters fearful. “There were no such issues before the earthquake,” said Mojibur Rahman, a local resident, urging authorities to act immediately.
College teacher Md Joynal Abedin described the situation as “very alarming,” while schoolgirl Nusrat Jahan said she feels unsafe daily: “It shakes a lot when heavy vehicles go over it.”
Constructed during the 2015–16 fiscal year and completed in June 2018 at a cost of Tk 92 crore, the bridge was designed to improve connectivity and reduce travel time to Dhaka. Comprising seven spans, each 10.25 metres wide, and approach roads stretching 1.86 km, it has become a crucial artery for commuters, emergency services, and students.
Badiul Alam Babu, general secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai, warned: “The approach roads are also in very poor condition. This is an essential bridge. The department concerned must repair it without delay.”
Matlab South Upazila Engineer Anwar Hossain said repair work would begin “very soon,” while Chandpur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Aliul Hossain confirmed engineers are assessing the bridge and “necessary action will be taken based on the enquiry report.”
For now, however, thousands continue to cross the compromised bridge daily, hoping it will hold until repairs are completed.
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