Rajshahi, July 9 (V7N) – In Tanore Upazila of Rajshahi district, numerous earthen roads have fallen into severe disrepair due to years of neglect, leaving local residents in a state of acute distress, particularly during the monsoon season. Areas under the Badhair and Panchandar Union Parishads are most affected, where a significant number of roads remain unpaved.

Investigations reveal that the 5-kilometer Shibrampur-Saidhara road and the 2-kilometer Bara Badhair stretch in Badhair Union, along with the 1.5-kilometer Koel Hat-Baidyapur route, are in critical condition. During even moderate rainfall, these roads turn into muddy, knee-deep quagmires, rendering them nearly impassable. Pedestrians frequently slip and fall, resulting in injuries. Thousands of residents from villages such as Maria, Saidharah, and Jukar Para are forced to endure these hardships daily.

Local communities, including farmers, day laborers, students, women, and children, all depend on these roads for essential travel. Yet, despite repeated demands and prolonged suffering, the roads have not been upgraded or paved. During the rainy season, the roads become so treacherous that even rickshaws and motorcycles cannot pass through—only traditional bullock carts remain functional.

Residents express deep frustration. Nur Islam, a local villager, remarked that while the rest of the country progresses with development, their community is still battling mud. "Our mothers and sisters often get injured while walking on these roads. Agricultural products spoil on the way to market. We are promised development during elections, but once the votes are counted, no one returns to check on us," he said.

Other farmers and day laborers echoed this sentiment, stating that their region is being held back simply due to the lack of road infrastructure. They believe that without urgent intervention, the area's socio-economic development will continue to suffer.

The situation is similarly dire in Panchandar Union. Roads such as the 2-kilometer Kundain-Gurail route, the 2-kilometer Kundain-Nabnabi road, the 1-kilometer Krishnapur Bazar-Kachua School road, and the 1-kilometer Buraburitola-Jibpur stretch are all in deteriorated condition.

Local leaders acknowledge the gravity of the problem. Both Ataur Rahman, Chairman of Badhair Union, and Abdul Matin, Chairman of Panchandar Union, admitted that the roads urgently require paving. They emphasized the necessity of immediate government action to address the crisis.

Residents of Shibrampur, particularly concerned about the Shibrampur-Saidhara road which remains unpaved while neighboring routes have been modernized, are calling for swift government intervention. Saddam, a local resident, insisted that the road must be paved as a matter of urgency, especially from a humanitarian standpoint.

If prompt action is not taken, community members warn that the overall quality of life and economic development in the region will continue to decline, further isolating these already underserved rural populations.

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