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Noakhali Municipality faces a critical infrastructure crisis, with more than half of its 207-kilometer road network severely damaged and riddled with potholes. This dire condition causes regular accidents and significant suffering for residents who are forced to navigate these treacherous routes daily.

The municipality's road network includes 123 kilometers of paved roads, 73 kilometers of earthen roads, and 11 kilometers of footpaths. Excluding footpaths, only 84 kilometers of the remaining 196 kilometers have seen repairs. This leaves a staggering 112 kilometers of roads in a severely damaged state, with an estimated Tk 500 crore needed to complete necessary repairs and construct footpaths and drains.

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Except for the four-lane road, the feeder roads are in such terrible shape that rickshaw drivers refuse to go there even if offered higher fares.

Despite ongoing issues, residents report a lack of visible initiatives from municipal authorities. "Except for the four-lane road, the feeder roads are in such terrible shape that rickshaw drivers refuse to go there even if offered higher fares," said Nurar Rahman, a resident of ward-1. Sajjad Hossain, from ward-2, described how light rain turns large potholes into "artificial lakes," increasing the risk of accidents, especially at night.

The dilapidated roads also impact thousands of people visiting key government offices, including the District Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and District and Sessions Judge Court. Md Sheikh Sadek, deputy director of Local Government and administrator of Noakhali Municipality, acknowledged the problem, stating that a development project proposal would be prepared and a demand letter sent. Repairs on the most critical roads are expected to begin once funds are allocated.

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Light rain turns the large potholes into artificial lakes, while accidents occur frequently, particularly at night.