Poor roads at Tahirpur ports set for long-awaited overhaul

An initiative has been taken to improve road communication and build necessary bridges at the Bagli and Charagaon customs ports in Tahirpur upazila of Sunamganj, bringing hope to traders and local residents who have long suffered due to poor infrastructure.

Tahirpur is a vital border zone with India's Meghalaya state, serving as a massive hub for importing raw materials like coal, sand, and limestone. Sunamganj-1 constituency MP Kamruzzaman Kamrul has taken the initiative to renovate the long-dilapidated roads and construct bridges at the two important customs ports.

As part of the initiative, Upazila Engineer Zahidul Islam, accompanied by local business leaders and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders, inspected the roads at Bagli and Charagaon customs ports on Monday afternoon.

The three customs ports of Tahirpur: Barachhara, Bagli and Charagaon, play an important role in cross-border trade and generate substantial government revenue. However, poor road connectivity has long hampered transportation and caused significant hardship for traders, workers and local residents.

Locals said the roads at Bagli and Charagaon customs ports have remained in poor condition for years, making vehicular movement difficult and increasing the risk of accidents. They urged the authorities to repair the roads and construct the necessary bridges without delay.

Port traders said improved road connectivity would facilitate the transportation of coal and limestone imported from India, reducing transport costs and boosting trade in the area. They also said frequent accidents on the dilapidated roads have caused deaths and injuries among workers and pedestrians. Upazila Engineer Zahidul Islam said the roads at the customs ports had been inspected and their current condition, difficulties in vehicular movement and the need for bridges were being assessed. “The matter will be brought to the attention of the higher authorities and necessary steps will be taken,” he said.

Tahirpur Upazila BNP Joint Convener Mehedi Hasan Ujjal said the government was sincere about improving the living conditions of people in the border areas and developing the customs ports. “Improved communication will make trade and commerce at the customs ports more dynamic. The MP will take necessary steps to develop road and other infrastructure so that traders and local residents can benefit,” he said.

Locals hope the planned infrastructure development will improve communication, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for economic activities and tourism in the border areas.