Chandpur, Dec. 7 -- 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...