Bogra-Karitola road, the main thoroughfare in Sariakandi upazila, has become almost unusable due to the authorities’ negligence and a lack of repairs for years. Large potholes have developed in many parts of the road, causing suffering for thousands of people from two upazilas. The authorities concerned said that a proposal for repair work had been submitted earlier, but it had not been approved yet. They now plan to send a new proposal.
According to local sources, the section of the Bogra-Karitola road from the western side of the Jorgacha Bridge to Karitola Bazar is in a sorry state. There are countless large potholes, and in some places, parts of the road have collapsed, creating big holes. Hundreds of battery-and-CNG-run auto-rickshaws, buses, and trucks run on this road every day. Around one lakh people from Gabtali and Sariakandi upazilas also use the road to go to Bogra town.
Commuters suffer a lot while crossing the pothole-riddled road. Even light rain fills the potholes with water, making travel messy and uncomfortable. Passengers often get splashed with mud, and journeys take nearly twice as long. Frequent accidents also occur due to the road’s poor state.
The Jorgacha Bridge over the Bangali River is also in bad shape. The soil and carpeting on the western side have collapsed, creating a large hole. Parts of the bridge surface are also damaged, making it risky for vehicles.
Tajul Islam, a resident of Jorgacha village, said: “It’s nearly impossible to travel by battery-run rickshaw on this road. Even though the road has remained in poor condition for a long time, no one has taken steps to repair it. We demand that the authority concerned take immediate steps to repair the road.”
Shariful Islam Sipon, Chairman of Velabari Union, said: “The poor condition of the Bogra-Karitola road is the biggest problem for the local people. We have visited different offices about the issue, but nothing has been done.”
Sariakandi Upazila Engineer Tuhin Sarkar said: “We submitted a proposal to the high-up to repair the Bogra-Karitola road, but it was not approved. Out of nine road repair proposals from Sariakandi, four were approved — but this one was not included. We will send a new proposal soon.”
