Bangladesh Villages Endure Decades of Impassable Road

For over half a century, residents of 25 villages in Bangladesh have faced annual hardship due to a single, unpaved 1.5-kilometer road that becomes a muddy obstacle every monsoon.

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Because no van or rickshaw driver will risk the mud-drowned road that runs past my home.

The road connects Kumariabari Bazar to the Jhalupara Bridge area, serving as the only direct route for over 50,000 people to access schools, colleges, markets, and upazila and district headquarters. Farmers like Mojibor Rahman must carry produce on their backs to the nearest market, as vehicles cannot navigate the treacherous, mud-drowned path.

Mathematics teacher Abdur Razzaq describes the journey to his workplace as "grueling" once the rains begin. Students, in particular, suffer immensely as many higher educational institutions are located in the Sarishabari upazila headquarters. The road's condition forces pedestrians to wade through thick mud, rendering it impassable for vehicles during the rainy season.

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Once the rains set in, the journey becomes grueling.

Residents allege that successive governments have ignored their demands to pave the road for the past 50 years. Altaf Hossain from Salgram village expressed that their suffering during the rainy season is "beyond description." Sharif Miah noted that despite remaining unpaved for decades, the road is a vital lifeline for the char area residents.

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Our suffering during the rainy season is beyond description.

Local officials acknowledge the problem. Shakil Ahmed, a Union Parishad member, stated that repeated assurances of paving the road have never materialized into action. Golam Kibria Tomal, the LGED Sarishabari Upazila Engineer, confirmed that a proposal has been sent to higher authorities and construction will commence upon approval. However, residents remain skeptical after decades of unfulfilled promises.

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Each time, we are told the road will be paved, but no visible initiative has been taken.