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The hanging bridge built on Kaptai Lake in Rangamati, a major tourist destination and famous as Lake City in the country, has sunk.

Due to several days of heavy rain and water coming from the hills, the water level of Kaptai Lake has increased rapidly. Bangladesh Tourism Corporation has banned travel around the bridge due to security reasons.

Bamboo barricading has been done with red flags at the entrance. Rangamati falls in Chittagong division in the south-eastern part of the country.

According to the report of Dhaka Tribune, due to the closure of the bridge, the tourists arriving are facing disappointment due to lack of information. This has also dealt a blow to the local tourism industry.

This lake is the largest artificial (man-made) lake of Bangladesh. It came into existence due to the Kaptai Dam built on the Karnaphuli River. The 335 feet long beautiful bridge is considered the main symbol of Rangamati tourism. This bridge connects two hills situated in the middle of the lake.

Due to the closure of the bridge, more than 100 boats with engines are standing idle at the local boat terminal. Shops selling traditional clothes, textiles and handicrafts are also deserted without customers.

Some traders say sales have dropped to almost zero. Mohammad Fakhrul Islam, a lease holder of the local boat owners association, said that this time is very important for their livelihood.

He said, “Due to the tourists coming this season, the expenses of our families are covered for the whole year. But after the sinking of the bridge, our earning has completely stopped.

If the situation continues like this, we will have to suffer huge economic losses.” Hotel owner Mohammed Suman Mia said the hanging bridge is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting Rangamati.

He said, “Many tourists come to Rangamati just to see the bridge. Since its sinking, hotel bookings are falling every day. Hotels, motels and restaurants are suffering losses due to the decline in the number of tourists.”

Rangamati Tourism Corporation Manager Alok Bikas Chakma said that due to heavy rains and water flowing from the hills, the water level of Kaptai Lake increased, due to which the bridge got submerged in water.

“For the safety of tourists, we have put up red flags and blocked the road with bamboo barriers,” he said.

” Rangamati District Council Chairman Dipan Talukdar Dipu said that survey for the construction of a new bridge has already been done. “We are hopeful that the construction of a new, modern bridge at a higher altitude will start soon,” he said.