Constructing an alternative route round the Dhanghara area in Gaibandha has been a long-standing demand of the residents which, they believe, would ease traffic pressure in the district town interspersed with important service institutions.
“There is an overwhelming demand that a bypass be constructed from the Kadamtala area to the DC office. This would hopefully help reduce public sufferings caused by traffic congestion,” said Farhad Abdullah Harun Bablu, a member secretary of Gaibandha Nagarik Committee.
The gridlocks are mainly due to the presence of many important government and non-government offices in the area, where people go and come from on a regular basis, he added.
According to sources, the offices of district and session judges, deputy commissioner, police super and district accounts officer were shifted from Kachari Bazaar and Thanapara to Dhanghara in 1994.
The offices of Local Government Engineering Department, Fisheries Department, Roads and Highways Department, Social Forestation Department, Rural Electrification Board, Bangladesh Open University and the central bus terminal were set up at Dhanghara and adjacent areas in phases after 1994.
In addition, the Social Service Department, Youth Development Department, Family Planning Department, Bangladesh Rural Development Board and various NGOs have their offices in rented spaces.
Due to the concentration of such important offices, Dhanghara remains thronged with people, mainly from the eastern and western parts of the town and those coming from outside for different purposes, putting additional pressure on the DB Road.
The situation is at its worst during business hours, when vehicles in long queues are seen stranded on the road linking Poura Park with the Fire Brigade office.
Advocate Syed Shamsul Alam Hiru, administrator of Zilla Parishad, said given the existing traffic situation in the town constructing a bypass has become essential. “It will save valuable time as well as improve communication.”
When contacted, Executive Engineer of Roads and Highways Department AKM Abdus Salam said a project proposal to construct the bypass had been sent to the higher authorities a few months ago, but a response has yet to be received.
Farhad Abdullah, however, urged the government to look into the matter seriously and take necessary measures to start the construction work as soon as possible.
