Four bridges along a 10-kilometre stretch of the old Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj have become structurally vulnerable due to continuous heavy rainfall and landslides, raising concerns over potential traffic disruption.
On-site observations found severe soil erosion on one side of several bridges, exposing their foundations and weakening stability. Visible cracks have already developed in parts of the structures, alarming both officials and residents.
Chunarughat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Galib Chowdhury said unchecked runoff from adjacent hills has worsened the situation.
“The runoff has damaged sections of the road and caused cracks in four bridges,” he said.
He added that the administration has inspected the affected sites and is monitoring conditions, with repair work to begin soon.
The worst-affected areas include Chandichara, Satchari, Chaklapunji and Begumkhan. In several locations, embankments that were once about 10 feet wide have eroded into vulnerable zones stretching between 50 and 200 feet, reports our correspondent.
Zakir Hossain, executive engineer of the Roads and Highways Department in Habiganj, said the stretch faces erosion every year due to heavy rainfall and unstable hill slopes. Temporary protective measures using bamboo and tin have already been installed.
“For a permanent solution, paved guide walls must be constructed in erosion-prone areas,” he said, estimating total damage to road infrastructure around Tk 3 crore.
Preparations are under way to begin repair work, he added.
Environmental activists blamed weak enforcement of existing regulations for worsening the crisis.
Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon’s Habiganj unit, said indiscriminate sand lifting from nearby hills has increased vulnerability to landslides.
“There are laws to protect hills and prevent illegal sand extraction, but implementation is lacking,” he said.
“Without strict monitoring, both infrastructure and the environment will remain at risk.”
Residents said the deteriorating condition of the highway has heightened safety risks and disrupted daily life.
Abdul Mannan, a farmer, said they fear using the road during rainfall, as a collapse could cut off transport of crops to markets.
Koloti Ghatual, a tea garden worker, said repeated landslides are submerging plantations and affecting incomes.
Nur Islam, a CNG driver, said driving has become increasingly risky, especially at night or during rain, warning that a sudden collapse could trigger major accidents.
Shafiqul Mia, a vegetable vendor, reported recurring repairs have failed to resolve the problem, blaming continued illegal sand extraction.
College student Sumi Akter said any disruption to traffic would severely affect access to education and emergency services.