Sunamganj, March 31 -- The collapse of Berigaon bridge in Surma union of Sunamganj Sadar has left around 50,000 people effectively cut off, disrupting communication in at least three unions and causing severe hardship for residents.

The decades-old bridge, a key transport link for Surma, Jahangirnagar and Rangarchar unions, collapsed during Ramadan, halting the movement of people and vehicles and forcing commuters to take long alternative routes.

Constructed during the Pakistan era to ensure easier movement for people in the then greater Rangarchar area, the bridge had long been in a vulnerable condition.

Local residents said it had remained risky for nearly three decades despite repeated complaints to authorities and elected represent...