Photo : TDM
The 700-meter unpaved road in Forkania, west Masimpur village, Chandipur Union, Lakshmipur, named after freedom fighter Aktererjam, remains a persistent source of hardship for local residents, severely affecting their daily lives, particularly during the monsoon season. Despite its symbolic name, this road has languished in its unpaved state since the country gained independence.
The residents of this area have endured years of difficulties and disappointments, as promises of better infrastructure have gone unfulfilled. This road serves as a vital artery for thousands of people, including students, women, and the elderly, all of whom have borne the brunt of its poor condition.
The absence of proper paving on this road poses substantial challenges, especially during the rainy season. Sick individuals find it exceedingly difficult to access medical centers, and transportation for residents becomes a daunting ordeal.
Abdur Rab Master, an elderly resident, described how the road's condition impacts villagers, even influencing the choices of young couples who hesitate to marry due to the road's deplorable state. He lamented that questions about their living conditions often center on the lack of proper roads.
Tajal Islam, another resident, shed light on how the road's condition affects daily life, particularly for students. During the monsoon, the road becomes a quagmire, making it extremely challenging for children to attend school or madrasa. The situation worsens when the road becomes inundated.
Fazlul Kabir, a local Union Parishad member, expressed his frustration over the road's condition, highlighting that it has remained unpaved for an astonishing 52 years since independence. He detailed the hardships faced by residents during the rainy season, such as the accumulation of mud and water, rendering it impossible for rickshaws and ambulances to traverse.
Chandipur Union Parishad Chairman Samsul Islam Sumon acknowledged the road's age and the profound suffering it has caused to the local population. He reassured that efforts are underway to draw attention to the issue and pledged to address it in collaboration with the Honorable Member of Parliament.
Monir Hossain Chowdhury, the Chairman of Ramganj Upazila Parishad, emphasized the imperative of developing this road, noting that villages are evolving into cities, and progress should extend from one village to another. He affirmed the commitment to pave the road soon, aligning with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's vision for the region's advancement.
TDM/SD
