A vital two-kilometre rural road connecting Pashapole and Fulsara unions in Jashore’s Chaugachha upazila has remained unpaved for 54 years.

Thousands of locals, including farmers, students, patients and commuters, have been facing difficulties using the road.

During the monsoon, the earthen road turns muddy and becomes almost impassable, while in the dry season, dense dust blankets the entire stretch.

Farmers suffer particularly while transporting their produce to nearby markets.

Residents often have to travel 10-12 kilometres through alternative routes instead of using the road due to its poor condition.

Abdullah Al Mamun, a local school teacher, said, “The school is only two kilometres away, but because of the road’s condition, I have to travel around 12km through Fulsara and Sonua. During heavy rain, I often fail to reach the school at all.”

Tania Khatun, a student of Doshpakhia Primary School, said she frequently falls in the mud on her way to school, leaving her clothes and books soiled.

Kamrul Islam, a trader at Bariyali Bazar, said transport costs have increased significantly because of the road’s poor condition.

Locals alleged that during the previous government’s tenure, initiatives were taken to renovate the road. However, following the political changeover, the funds were later diverted elsewhere.

Responding to the allegation, local Union Parishad Chairman Obaidul Islam Sabuj said he had made every possible effort to secure funds for renovating the road but failed.

Contacted, Siddhartha Kumar Kundu, upazila engineer in Chaugachha, said, “We do not have any project at present under which the road can be developed.”

“However, we will submit a proposal on a priority basis. Work will begin once funding is allocated,” he added.