Locals suffer for deplorable conditions of Sunamganj, Gaibandha roads

Locals have been suffering extremely due to the poor condition of Dharmapasha-Madhyanagar road in Sunamganj and Goyailbari Amtoli-Kumedpur Bazar road in Gaibandha.
Our Correspondent from Sylhet reports, residents under the banner of 'Nagorik Adhikar Andolon' staged blockade in remote Sunamganj on the Rajnagar point of the road for about half an hour on Monday, where people joined from all walks of life to demand the road's reconstruction.
The speakers threatened a tougher movement if immediate measures are not taken soon. The blockade led to traffic congestion on the road as the protesters also took part in a rally to press home their demand.
The protestors urged government officials to use the means of transport of the common people so that they understand their sufferings.
Mufti Molla Mahmud Hasan, chief coordinator of Sunamganj Nagorik Odhikar Andolon, chaired the rally.
In 2017, some repair works were conducted on the 20-km road along the Kongsho River's north bank in Dharmapasha to Piprakanda of Madhyanagar. But, it got unfit for use due to poor quality work, while the portion of the road from Goloikhali to Madhyanagar eroded at different points. Moreover, the road also sustained serious flood damage.
Although some repairs were done on 10 km Madhyanagar-Gachhtola part last year, the rest remained untouched, leaving the road narrow on some points which have been causing much public suffering.
A number of large and small ditches have developed at places such as the Bijoy 24-Chattar, health complex area, in front of Syedpur and Matikata, and in front of the Sub Registrar office. It is reported that small vehicles overturn in these portions almost every day.
During the protest, a Road and Highways Department official talked to the agitators at the scene and said that Tk 130 million was approved two weeks ago for the road development works and the bidding will take place in November, allowing the work to be commenced.
The chief coordinator of the protest alleged that whenever they start a protest, some superficial works are conducted by placing brickbats on the road to bluff the people. He said that they want to see some genuine steps this time.
Meantime, Dharmapasha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Jony Roy said a senior official would soon talk to the agitators about starting the works at the earliest.
Our correspondent from Gaibandha reports, locals are in endless misery due to the poor condition of the road from Goyailbari Amtoli in Sadar Upazila's Badiakhali Union to Kumedpur Bazar in Palashbari Upazila's Monohorpur Union.
Whenever monsoon arrives, mud fills the road, making it impassable, with the authorities seeming to be unconcerned about its condition.
Thousands of people, including school and college students, travel on this important road every day, and although it should not take more than 10 minutes to reach the end of the road from its starting point, pedestrians fail to do it in an hour.
Frequent movement of tractors, trolleys, and rickshaw-vans causes more damage to the route and there is no alternative for pedestrians to travel.
This road, located at the Badiakhali Union portion of Sadar Upazila, pass along Goyailbari Jame Mosque, Goyailbari Eidgah Field, Goyailbari Government Primary School, and Goyailbari Sri Sri Kali Mandir.
The road also pass along important establishments in Palashbari's Mohanpur, including Khamar Jamira Jame Mosque, Khamar Jamira Baitul Mamur Jame Mosque, Khamar Jamira Register Government Primary School, Hamius Sunnah Mahila Madrasa, Kumedpur Government Primary School, Kumedpur Darul Uloom Model Madrasa, Kumedpur Bazar Mosque, and Kumedpur Bazar Hafizia Madrasa.
The affected locals have sought immediate intervention from the authorities concerned to alleviate their extreme suffering due to the condition of the road.
Gaibandha Sadar Upazila LGED Engineer Md. Bablu Mia told the Financial Express that if funds are allocated, the road will be paved.

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