Years of neglect leave key Jashore road in ruins, causing public suffering

A key road connecting Bokchor Hushtola Intersection with Neelgonj Main Road in Jashore town has fallen into severe disrepair, causing immense hardship for commuters and residents.
The road, under Jashore Municipality, has remained unrepaired for years and is now riddled with large potholes. Even light rain leaves the craters filled with knee-deep water, while heavy showers inundate the entire stretch, making it hazardous for both pedestrians and vehicles.
A recent visit to the area showed that the road has been badly damaged, with poor drainage worsening the situation. Rainwater mixed with household waste remains stagnant for days, creating foul odours and making movement difficult during the monsoon. Residents said only rickshaws, easy-bikes and auto-rickshaws can use the road, while larger vehicles avoid it altogether. Motorcyclists and cyclists also struggle to navigate the damaged surface, and accidents have become a regular occurrence.
Ashraf Ali, an associate professor at Hamidpur Al-Hera Degree College and a local resident, said the road has remained in poor condition for the past seven to eight years. "Even a small amount of rain floods the entire road, making it almost impossible to move. Despite repeated complaints, the municipality has taken no effective action," he said.
Another resident, Samiul Hasan, said the municipality repaired the road around seven to eight years ago, but it deteriorated within six months. "Eight to ten people suffer minor to serious injuries on this road every day due to the deep potholes. We have repeatedly informed the authorities, but nothing has changed," he alleged.
Abdur Rahman, another local, said prolonged waterlogging has forced several roadside businesses to shut down, while pedestrians frequently slip and fall while crossing the flooded road.
Residents also blamed the lack of a proper drainage system for the recurring waterlogging, saying it has accelerated the road's deterioration. Jashore Municipality Executive Officer Zahed Hossain said the authorities are aware of the problem and that the engineering department is monitoring the situation. Chief Executive Engineer SM Sharif Hasan said the municipality has decided to bring the road under a tender process for renovation at the earliest.
Locals, however, demanded immediate repairs, an effective drainage system and regular maintenance, saying years of assurances have failed to improve the condition of the road.