Rangamati's hanging bridge reopens to tourists after three months

The iconic hanging bridge over Kaptai Lake in Rangamati reopened to tourists today after being submerged for nearly three months.

Alok Bikas Chakma, manager of Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation (BPC's) Rangamati office, said that the bridge was under water for about three months. With the water receding from the bridge's footing, authorities have reopened it for tourists from today.

On July 30, the local administration suspended movement on the bridge after heavy rainfall caused the water level in Kaptai Lake to rise, submerging the bridge up to four feet.

The water level gradually receded on October 23. The bridge has been repaired and repainted. Finally, the authorities withdrew the ban on tourist movement on the bridge from today.

Md Sohel, ticket seller at the hanging bridge, said many tourists visited throughout the day following the reopening. "Ticket sales have been good, and we expect more tourists in the coming days," he added.

Fakhrul Islam, lineman at the tourist boat wharf, noted that tourists had avoided the area while the bridge was submerged. "But since reopening today, many visitors have come. About 20 to 25 boats have been chartered so far," he said.

Md Salim, a tourist from Dhaka, said, "If you come to Rangamati and don't see the hanging bridge, the trip is not complete."

Alok Bikas Chakma further said that more than 1,000 tourists visited on the first day.

"We hope that there will be a large number of tourists during the upcoming tourist season."