A vital two-kilometre road connecting Sajeler Char Bazar in Charputimari Union of Islampur upazila in Jamalpur with surrounding areas has become virtually impassable due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The brick-paved road, which is used daily by hundreds of residents, students and farmers, is now riddled with potholes and uneven stretches. In many places, the bricks have completely disappeared, leaving only sand and soil.
A recent visit found large potholes across several sections of the road. During rainfall, the damaged portions become waterlogged and muddy, making movement particularly difficult for pedestrians and small vehicles.
Local residents said the road has not received proper maintenance for years, despite being an important route for the community.
Muslim Mia, Anesa Begum, Rahimuddin and Ramzan Ali, residents of the area, said hundreds of people depend on the road every day.
“The brick paving has disappeared from many sections, while some parts are covered with sand and soil. The road has become extremely difficult to use. Immediate repairs are needed to prevent the situation from worsening,” they said.
Farmers are also facing difficulties transporting their produce to markets.
Local farmer Sarafat Ali said poor road conditions have increased both transportation costs and travel time.
“Vans and auto-rickshaws often struggle to move along the damaged road. As a result, transporting agricultural produce has become costly and time-consuming,” he said.
Students who use the road regularly said their difficulties increase during the rainy season.
“When it rains, the road becomes muddy and waterlogged. Our clothes get dirty, and sometimes we cannot go to school. If the road is repaired, our daily journey to school will become much easier,” said students Forkan Mia, Jamal Mia, Sultan Mahmud and Rafiqul Islam.
Residents said the road is also important for taking patients to healthcare facilities and travelling to the upazila headquarters during emergencies.
They have urged the authorities to take immediate steps to repair the road and restore it to a condition suitable for regular traffic.
Contacted, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) executive engineer of Islampur Md Tofail Ahmed Mian said the road has recently been included in a new project under the department.
“An estimate for the road has already been prepared. Once funds are allocated, the tender process will be completed quickly and work will begin,” he said.