A three-kilometre muddy road in Madhupur upazila of Tangail is causing immense suffering for local residents, particularly during the monsoon.
The road, stretching from Pichila Ghona to Momin Ara along the border areas of Ausnara and Mahishmara unions, is yet to be paved or widened despite its importance to the local community.
During the rainy season, several sections of the road become waterlogged and muddy, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to move. The poor condition also severely disrupts the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, leaving farmers to suffer.
Locals said agricultural land and various establishments have developed on both sides of the road. Madhupur’s famous pineapples and other agricultural products are transported to markets using this route. But even a light shower leaves parts of the road submerged and covered in mud, making travel extremely difficult.
Students, patients, traders and pedestrians are among those who face difficulties due to the road’s dilapidated condition. Farmers are particularly affected as they struggle to take their produce to market in time and at reasonable transportation costs.
Abu Hanif, a resident of Haldia village, said the road is extremely important for people in the area. “During the rainy season, the road becomes so bad that even walking becomes difficult. It should be paved without further delay,” he said.
Another resident, Ainal Haque, said a large number of people use the road every day. Farmers, in particular, face serious problems while transporting pineapples and other crops to markets. “If the road is improved, transportation of agricultural products will become easier, and farmers will have a better chance of getting fair prices,” he said.
A resident, Chan Mia, said locals have been demanding repairs for years. “The suffering increases several times once the rainy season begins. If the road is permanently paved, the long-standing problems of the people will be greatly reduced,” he said.
Madhupur Upazila Engineer Rafiqul Islam Bhuiyan said the road from Pichila Ghona to Momin Ara has been sent for inclusion in the government gazette. “Once the road is assigned an ID number and funds are allocated, work will begin,” he said.