Water-logging cuts access to 500-yr-old Kherua Mosque in Bogura 

SHERPUR, BOGURA, July 14: Hundreds of families in Bogura's Sherpur Upazila are enduring prolonged hardship as severe water-logging and the deteriorating condition of a key access road have made travel to the historic Kherua Mosque increasingly difficult.

The road leading to the nearly 500-year-old Mughal-era mosque, located in Hamchapur Madhyapara under Shahbandegi Union, has remained in poor condition for years. Even light rainfall leaves large sections submerged, forcing pedestrians to wade through thigh-deep water in some places.

A visit to the area on Sunday found large potholes along the road stretching from Bishwaroad to Toll Gate, with rainwater covering much of the surface and making it nearly impassable. Thousands of people and various types of vehicles use the road every day.

The condition of the road leading to the Kherua Mosque, about 200 metres south of the main road, was found to be even worse. The mosque, a protected archaeological monument, is maintained by the Department of Archaeology.

Much of the brick soling on the approach road has been washed away, leaving deep craters hidden beneath stagnant water. Residents said it has become impossible to distinguish between the road and potholes, increasing the risk of accidents. Local children were even seen fishing in the waterlogged road.

Battery-run auto-rickshaws, auto-vans, motorcycles and other vehicles continue to use the route despite the hazardous conditions, exposing commuters to the constant risk of accidents.

Residents said around 500 families live in the area and have been suffering for years due to the lack of road repairs. They said the damaged road has made it difficult to attend prayers at the mosque, visit markets and hospitals, and send children to school.
Parents, in particular, expressed concern about the safety of schoolchildren, while locals said visitors to the historic mosque also face significant difficulties.

Residents alleged that despite repeated demands, no effective initiative has been taken to repair the road or improve drainage.
Md Shafiqul Islam, the official in charge of the archaeological site, said he had been observing the road's poor condition since assuming responsibility six to seven months ago.

"The road has remained under water for the past 10 to 12 days, but there is no proper drainage system," he said.

Locals urged the authorities to immediately improve drainage and repair the road, saying the historical significance of the Kherua Mosque warrants urgent attention. They warned that without prompt action, public suffering would worsen throughout the monsoon and the risk of serious accidents would continue to grow.