Road communication between Mirsharai upazila and Narayanhat in Fatikchhari, Chittagong, has been completely severed for the past five days due to a landslide caused by continuous rainfall.
The landslide occurred on Wednesday afternoon, near the Char Rastar Kop area adjacent to Jharjhari Mazar in Mirsharai upazila, blocking the vital road connection.
As of Saturday, no action has been taken by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) to clear the debris, leaving commuters in severe distress.
A visit to the spot on Saturday revealed that all types of vehicles, except for a few CNG-run auto-rickshaws and motorcycles making emergency trips, remained off the road. Passengers were seen pushing their auto-rickshaws across the affected area to get through.
The road is considered one of the key internal routes connecting Mirsharai and Fatikchhari upazilas. On average, over 500 vehicles — including passenger CNGs, motorcycles, and goods-laden trucks — use the route daily.
Additionally, lemon cultivation is widespread across parts of the surrounding hills, and lemons from this area are usually transported to Chittagong city, Feni, Comilla, and other districts. Due to the roadblock, farmers have halted lemon harvesting.
Local resident and lemon farmer Alauddin said: “It’s been five days and there’s still no sign of anyone from the Roads and Highways Department. No one seems to be paying attention to resolving the situation on such an important road.”
When asked about the prolonged road closure, RHD Sub-Divisional Engineer Mohammad Farhan claimed: “It hasn’t been five days — it’s been three since the landslide occurred. Due to the rain, work couldn’t begin earlier.”
He added: “An excavator will be sent tonight, and clearing of the debris is expected to begin by tomorrow morning (Sunday).”
