PAIKGACHHA, KHULNA, June 4: A 4.5-kilometre road in Paikgachha Upazila of Khulna has become a daily symbol of suffering for thousands of residents due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance.
The South Amirpur-Bainbariya Road under Ward No. 7 of Garuikhali Union (10 No. Union) has deteriorated severely, turning into a near-unusable stretch despite being a key route for local communication.
A visit to the area showed large potholes and broken sections along the entire stretch. In many places, brick soling has completely worn away, leaving the road dusty, uneven and hazardous. Even light rain creates persistent water-logging, while the monsoon turns the route into a muddy, slippery track, making movement extremely difficult.
Locals said the road, stretching from Debabrata's shop to Bainbariya Police Camp near the new bridge and up to Ramakanta Sardar's house, is the main access route for the area. It is used daily by students, farmers, traders and thousands of residents.
With the road in such poor condition, daily commuting has become a struggle. Patients needing emergency medical care and farmers transporting agricultural goods are among the worst affected, as transport is frequently disrupted.
Expressing frustration, local resident Sumen Mondal said the road has turned into a "reflection of suffering" for the community.
"This is no longer a road. We have been hearing promises for years, but nothing has been done. Movement during the rainy season feels like a nightmare. We want real work, not words," he said.
Another resident said promises are made during election periods, but after elections the road is ignored.
"We are stuck in promises. No one sees our suffering," he added.
Attempts to contact Garuikhali Union Parishad Chairman Abdus Salam over the phone for comment were unsuccessful as he did not respond to repeated calls.
