Constructed in 1953, a big portion of the Swashram-Kuruabazar road in Biswanath upazila of Sylhet has become terrible for the movement of vehicles, as it has remained unrepaired for 66 long years.
Locals reacted that Bangladesh has seen marked development of its roads and highways since its liberation in 1971, but unfortunately a 300-metre portion from Swashram-Kuruabazar road in the upazila has remained unrepaired for a long time, raising the eyebrows of many.
Bahadur Mofizur Rahman, father of General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani who was popularly known as MAG Osmani, inaugurated the road in 1953; however, no initiative has been taken to renovate it since then.
Locals alleged that the dilapidated condition of the road causes immense sufferings to the residents of Biswanath and Osmaninagar upazilas.
Abdul Qayum Shaki, assistant teacher of Shasram Rahman Ali Govt Primary School, said students of the school have to attend their classes after enduring immense sufferings on the ramshackle road.
Abdul Kuddus, a local farmer, said this very small road could not be turned into a concrete one in so many years.
“We feel very sad, and neglected as well," he said.
Nurul Haque Lechu Mollah, another resident of the area, said they convinced the concerned authorities to repair the other portions of the road on various occasions, but only the 300-metre of Swashram-Kuruabazar road remained unrepaired.
“We demand that the concerned authorities repair the road, and thus facilitate the comfortable movement of the people of the two upazilas,” he added.
Contacted, local Union Parishad chairman Chhoyful Haque said he has been trying to repair the road to assuage the public suffering.
Upazila Engineer Harunur Rashid Bhuiyan said Swashram-Kuruabazar road of Roads and Highway Department (RHD) is very important for the local people, and they are aware of the problem.
