Once a road, now a nightmare

A 1.5-kilometre stretch of Kalenga Road in Habiganj's Chunarughat upazila has fallen into such disrepair that locals say it is barely recognisable as a road.

When it rains, the potholes turn into pools of mud and water, leaving the road from Himalaya to Chamlati almost impassable.

Students, farmers and traders say daily life has become a struggle, with vehicles frequently breaking down or getting stuck.

"When it rains, my books get drenched. It's impossible to walk in the mud, and going to madrasa has become painful," said Sumaiya, a student at Himalaya Noorani Madrasa.

Her classmate Sadia added, "I can't get to class on time. One day, I even slipped and got hurt."

Local trader Sohel Mia Hannan said, "Vehicles avoid the road, making it difficult to transport goods. It has become a serious issue for anyone in business."

Farmers are also facing rising costs. "To transport rice and vegetables to the markets, we often have to pay double the usual fare, and sometimes no vehicles are available at all," said Hossain Mia.

CNG driver Sajid Mia said, "Engines get stuck in the mud, passengers get off, and we have to lift the vehicle out. It's unbelievable that such roads still exist."

Retired government official Mahbubur Rahman said, "We've been raising the issue for years, but no meaningful action has been taken."

Chunarughat Upazila Engineer Imam Hossain said a renovation proposal has been submitted. "We are waiting for the necessary funds to start the work," he added.