A dire situation has unfolded across the Jashore municipality as hundreds of roads have fallen into disrepair, rendering them nearly impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles. Potholes and deteriorating road surfaces have become a daily struggle for residents, particularly school, college, and office-goers, who are subjected to splashes of muddy water when vehicles traverse the broken roads, especially during rainfall.
The deteriorating state of roads has come to a head on Shah Abdul Karim Road in the Kharki area of the city. Lacking sidewalks on either side and riddled with potholes, pedestrians are left with no choice but to navigate their way amidst the moving traffic. This particular road hosts Govt MM College, a prominent institution for thousands of students and local residents, making it a crucial artery.
Shah Abdul Karim road's plight is emblematic of a larger issue plaguing Jashore municipality, where countless roads – including major thoroughfares – have succumbed to potholes and insufficient maintenance over an extended period. Jashore Municipal Mayor, freedom fighter Haider Gani Khan Palash, said, "It is normal that the roads will be bad during the rainy season."
In addition to Shah Abdul Karim Road, stretches like Gurdash Babu Lane, Barandipara Road, Nilganj Road, and Bakchar to Hushtala roads are now dotted with potholes, primarily due to inadequate drainage systems and the accumulation of rainwater. The bitumen lining on these roads has deteriorated, leading to the formation of hazardous ditches.
Residents' experiences on these roads tell a story of daily hardship. Tofail Islam, residing near MM College, lamented the longstanding issue, explaining that the roads have remained virtually impassable for over a century. Local grocer Jonab Ali echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that passengers are often compelled to abandon rickshaws and return due to the deplorable road conditions.
Masuduzzaman Mithu, coordinator of the Civil Rights Movement in Jashore, highlighted the urgent need for action, pointing out that most municipal roads are now impassable.
In response to queries about the situation, Mayor Haider Gani Khan Palash said, "You write down what you see." He once again reiterated the supposed inevitability of poor road conditions during the rainy season. The lack of a definitive plan or action raised concerns among the populace.
Municipal Executive Engineer SM Sharif Hasan said that renovation projects for these dilapidated roads have been drafted and submitted to the local government department. Once funding allocations are secured, the restoration work is expected to commence promptly.
