MIRZA SHAKIL, Tangail

Most roads in Tangail town have long remained in a sorry state, causing untold suffering for commuters.

Locals said their repeated demands for repair and renovation of the roads have so far fallen on deaf ears of the authorities concerned.

Some roads are so worn out that they are no longer fit for vehicular movement. Yet, town dwellers are being compelled to use them for their daily commute amid the risk of accidents.

During a recent visit to different areas of Tangail town, this correspondent found major thoroughfares, including Club Road, Battala-Baby Stand Road, Park Market Road, Court Road and several other connecting roads, in a severe state of disrepair.

“Numerous potholes are scattered almost along the entire stretch of Battala-Baby Stand Road, while the bitumen surface has worn out completely. Some potholes are so large that heavy vehicles often get stuck in them, while small vehicles ply amid the rising risk of getting overturned, often leading to accidents,” said Mainul Islam of Muslimpara area.

Liton Saha, a battery-run auto-rickshaw driver, said, “Transporting passengers using such broken roads has become increasingly difficult and risky.”

Mosharaf Hossain, a lawyer of Tangail court, said the condition of Court Road is so bad that accidents, including vehicles getting overturned, have now become regular.

Shahin Chowdhury, a resident of Ward 1, echoed him.

Several traders said they have been facing hassle transporting their goods using Park Market Road, one of the most important in the town, due to its shabby state.

“Rickshaw-van pullers often don’t want to come to Park Market Road due to its bad condition. Even if they do, they charge a high fare,” said Sattar Mia, a vegetable trader at the market.

Delwar Hossain, traffic inspector (administration) in Tangail, said while Battala-Baby Stand Road is already in a sorry state, there is huge pressure of vehicles through it, including goods-laden heavier ones.

The condition of many other roads in the town is also poor, as they have not been repaired for years, causing regular traffic congestion across the area, he added.

Contacted, Shihab Raihan, administrator of Tangail municipality, said they were aware of the situation.

“The damaged roads will be repaired on a priority basis after getting necessary allocation,” he added.