Despite its proximity to the capital, Singair Upazila in Manikganj continues to lag behind in development, leaving locals increasingly frustrated over the lack of progress on long-standing demands.
Home to around 328,125 people across 11 unions and one municipality, the upazila has drawn national attention following visits by the prime minister and several ministers over the past four months. However, locals say the high-profile visits have yet to produce any visible development initiatives.
State Minister for Public Administration J Md Abdul Bari visited the Singair Upazila Parishad without prior notice on 11 March, travelling without formal protocol and with the national flag on his vehicle covered.
During the inspection, he reviewed the attendance of officials and employees at government offices and assessed the quality of public services. He instructed officials to perform their duties responsibly and ensure proper services for locals.
Three days later, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain made an unannounced visit to Singair Upazila Health Complex. He expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of several doctors and called for regular attendance, improved services and strict action against irregularities and corruption in the health sector.
Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon inspected Secondary School Certificate examination centres at Joymontop and Sahrail High School on 21 April. He expressed satisfaction with the orderly examination environment.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman most recently visited an army summer exercise at the Bhinnadangi-Sudakshira Kalabagar Chak area under Jamirta Union on 7 July. He observed the exercise, spoke to army personnel and gave necessary instructions.
Despite the visits, residents say the key question remains unanswered: when will Singair’s long-standing development demands be addressed?
The most pressing demand is the widening of the Hemayetpur-Singair-Manikganj regional highway into four lanes.
Thousands of vehicles use the road every day as it serves as an important link between the capital and the country’s western districts. Residents say the narrow highway has become a death trap, with frequent fatal accidents causing loss of life, time and money.
Local sources said Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister and Manikganj-3 lawmaker Afroza Khanam Rita had sent a demi-official letter to the relevant ministry seeking the highway’s expansion.
Residents believe the project could transform Singair’s transport network if it receives swift approval with support from the prime minister and the relevant ministries.
Dhalla Union resident Jahangir Alam said his father was among those killed in accidents on the road.
“Accidents are happening regularly on the Hemayetpur-Singair-Manikganj regional highway. Many people, including my father, have lost their lives. The new government should widen the road into four lanes without delay,” he said.
Residents have also long demanded a gas connection for the upazila. They say the absence of gas has discouraged industrial investment and limited employment opportunities.
Local people believe agro-based industries could create jobs for thousands of young people and help farmers secure fair prices for their produce.
Another major demand is the construction of the proposed Paturia railway line through Singair. Residents say the project would give fresh momentum to the economy of both the upazila and the wider Manikganj district.
They have also demanded that Singair Government University College, the upazila’s highest educational institution, be upgraded into a full-fledged university.
In the health sector, residents want the upazila health complex expanded from 50 to 100 beds, alongside the appointment of specialist doctors, installation of modern medical equipment and regular attendance of physicians.
Local people alleged that many government officials posted in Singair live in Dhaka or Savar because of the upazila’s proximity to the capital. As a result, residents often fail to receive public services on time.
Although the issue has been detected during surprise inspections, they said no permanent solution has yet been introduced.
Jamirta Union Jubo Dal Senior Joint Convener Abu Sayem said public demands should have been brought to the attention of visiting officials.
“Issues of public importance, including the four-lane road, gas connections and industrialisation, needed to be raised before the authorities,” he said.
Civil society representative, poet and writer Muhammad Kuddusur Rahman said the visits by the prime minister and ministers were positive for Singair.
“What is now needed is a coordinated initiative by local leaders to strongly present demands relating to roads, gas, education, healthcare and employment to the government,” he said.
Manikganj-2 lawmaker Moinul Islam Khan Shanto, however, said the ministers had visited the upazila for specific purposes rather than attending programmes organised by local representatives.
“We did not arrange any programme to bring the ministers here. When they arrive for specific assignments, there is little opportunity to convey the expectations of the people,” he said.
