Seven bridges on the road from Maishbari to Fathehpur Dewan Bari in Madan upazila of Netrokona, lies inaccessible for over 18 years now, as the road is totally dilapidated for lack of renovation.
This has been a dire situation for local commuters, especially in the rainy season, when all vehicular movement comes to a stop, and the only way across is by foot over the very muddy, and non-commutable road.
So, around 5,000 locals of at least 400 villages in two unions prefer the adjacent water bodies to reach their destinations without hassle due to the poor condition of the road.
The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) had built the 10km road, and the seven bridges back in 2000. But afterwards that the road was never renovated, as a result its condition deteriorated to such a level that it became nonfunctional and lost its usability.
People of all ages need the road for various purposes, and they face most difficulties when torrential rain in the area creates potholes on the road.
Students have to walk five to six kilometres every day, and sometimes through knee deep mud water to reach their schools in Sadar upazila.
Tonni, a schoolgirl, said: "We always try to go to school in groups as we do not feel safe crossing the tricky road. More and more students are dropping out, and we regularly miss classes."
Students hope the government will soon pay heed to this serious problem, and renovate the road as soon as possible.
Taijul Islam, Shakil Miya, Jashimuddin, Rahis Miya, Islam Uddin of Fekni village expressed frustration and said government representatives often visited, and made promises of improvement, which were regrettably brought up only during elections.
Despite being informed about the condition at numerous times, the authorities turned a deaf ear to their pleas, they added.
The road, 10km through Madan and Teosree union is non commutable, and the bridges are just standing there with no usage.
Jasim, a resident of Baithakhali village, said: "We cannot drive anything except motorcycles, and bicycles on the road because of the potholes. The danger rises when stagnant rainwater conceals potholes, resulting in frequent accidents."
Madan Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Badruzzaman said: "The situation worsens each day here. Villagers are not able to commute despite having a road, and seven bridges. They have enough reason to feel neglected, and abandoned by the authorities.”
"I will once again implore the concerned authority to commence renovation next year," he added.
Along with Badruzzaman, Fakruddin Ahmed, UP chairman of Teosree union also assured of taking a positive step next year to improve the road’s condition.
Local LGED Engineer Aminul Islam Mridha confirmed that they knew about the condition of the road, and acknowledged the necessity for a renovation, but made no promises of any prompt action.