United News of Bangladesh

A deep crack at the joint of the vital ‘Matlab Bridge’ over the Dhonagoda River has sparked alarm among residents and motorists, raising concerns about a serious disaster if urgent repairs are not carried out. The bridge, which connects Matlab South and Matlab North upazilas and serves as a major route for travellers heading to Dhaka from Chandpur, Noakhali, Feni, Lakshmipur, Raipur, Ramganj and Hajiganj, sees thousands of vehicles pass over it every day. ‘It wasn’t there before quake’ Locals say the problem became visible only after the 5.7 magnitude earthquake on 21 November, which shook much of the country. During a visit to the site, it was found that shifting soil beneath the approach roads has created a large cavity, exposing iron rods and lifting sections of concrete. Read more: Earthquake Alerts: Best Free Mobile Apps in 2025-26 A sizeable hole has also opened on the approach road, turning it into a hazard for unsuspecting drivers. A noticeable gap has developed in the bridge’s central joint, and the structure visibly trembles when heavy vehicles pass, leaving regular users fearful. “There were no such issues before the earthquake,” said Mojibur Rahman, one of the residents, who urged the authorities to conduct a thorough inspection before it is too late. Others, including Kamrul Hasan and Golam Nabi, echoed the call, pointing out that emergency service vehicles, students and ambulances carrying patients are forced to use the compromised bridge daily. People are crossing it at great risk, they said. An essential structure at risk Built under a government project initiated in the 2015–16 fiscal year, the bridge was designed to ease communication between the northern and southern parts of Chandpur, reduce travel time to Dhaka and improve regional connectivity. The project originally carried a cost of Tk 84 crore, including Tk 56 crore for the bridge and Tk 28 crore for land acquisition. Read more: Only 3,252 out of 21 lakh buildings in Dhaka, Gazipur assessed for earthquake safety: RAJUK However, the structure—comprising seven spans, each 10.25 metres wide, and approach roads stretching 1.86 kilometres—was ultimately completed in June 2018 for Tk 92 crore. Since its inauguration, it has become a lifeline for thousands of commuters. Now, its deteriorating condition has left users anxious. College teacher Md Joynal Abedin described the situation as “very alarming”, while schoolgirl Nusrat Jahan said she feels unsafe every day: “It shakes a lot when heavy vehicles go over it.” Badiul Alam Babu, general secretary of Nirapad Sarak Chai for Matlab South, said the issue extends beyond the bridge itself. “The approach roads are also in very poor condition. This is an essential bridge. The department concerned must repair it without delay.” Promise of Action Matlab South Upazila Engineer Anwar Hossain said repair work would begin ‘very soon’. Chandpur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Aliul Hossain added that engineers were being sent to assess the bridge. “Necessary action will be taken based on the enquiry report,” he said. For now, however, thousands continue to cross the compromised structure each day, hoping it will hold until repairs begin. Read more: Ceiling And Wall Cracks After An Earthquake: When To Worry