OUR CORRESPONDENT, Kushtia

The Kushtia-Jhenaidah national highway, a vital link between the country’s northern and southern regions, has been plagued by potholes, slowing traffic and causing frequent accidents.

Out of the 25 kilometres of the highway within Kushtia, around 10 kilometres are severely damaged, with some sections almost unfit for use.

A visit from Mojompur Gate in Kushtia town to Islamic University revealed potholes and uneven mounds along the road from Vadaliya to the university. The most damaged part is between Laxmipur Bazar and Islamic University.

Md Rashid, a driver of Gorai Paribahan bus, said the road deteriorated the most over the past year. A one-hour journey now takes two hours, while vehicles are being badly damaged because of the broken road, he said.

Mahmud Al Hafiz, a regular commuter, echoed him.

Prof Dr Md Nozibul Haque of Islamic University said the crucial highway connecting the north and south cannot remain in such neglect. The authorities must take immediate steps to repair it properly.

Contacted, Kushtia Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Muhammad Monzurul Karim said, “We are using leftover bricks from repairing other roads to fix the potholes. The highway was last rebuilt 7–8 years ago. A new project proposal has been sent to the ministry, but there has been no significant progress yet.”