Unregulated movement of overloaded 10-wheeler dump trucks carrying sand, soil and coal is severely damaging rural roads in Manikganj’s Singair Upazila, causing growing suffering for local residents.
Roads in several areas of the upazila have developed large potholes and broken surfaces under the pressure of the heavy vehicles, many of which are reportedly carrying loads far beyond permitted limits.
Locals alleged that although authorities occasionally conduct drives against overloaded vehicles, the movement of the trucks continues largely unchecked.
Some residents also claimed that several trucks use stickers mentioning military projects, allowing them to move without interruption in many cases.
A recent visit to the area found 10-wheeler dump trucks unloading sand near the Shayesta Union Health Centre. One of the trucks, bearing registration number Dhaka Metro-T 20-9857, had a sticker on its front glass reading “engaged in army work”.
Truck driver Robin said the vehicle belongs to Aminbazar-based “Sahadat Enterprise” in Dhaka and supplies sand to different areas of Singair and Manikganj.
Regarding the use of the military-related sticker, he said the truck transports sand for an army project at night and the sticker helps avoid harassment from law enforcement agencies on the road.
Shayesta Union Parishad Administrative Officer Md Ujjal Hossain said there is no approval for 10-wheeler dump trucks carrying 20 to 25 tonnes to operate on rural roads.
Local resident and expatriate returnee Iqbal Hossain expressed frustration over the situation.
“Even newly constructed roads are being damaged within a short time because of round-the-clock movement of heavy trucks,” he said.
“Public suffering is increasing, but there seems to be nobody to address the problem.”
Chandhar Union prospective chairman candidate Tarikur Rahman Alal said most rural roads in Singair are not suitable for heavy dump trucks.
“Despite that, overloaded trucks, brick-laden vehicles and other heavy transport continue to operate indiscriminately, rapidly worsening the condition of the roads,” he said.
He urged the administration to take effective measures immediately to stop the unrestricted movement of such vehicles.
Upazila Engineer Mohammad Ashraful Islam Bhuiyan said rural roads are not designed for vehicles carrying more than eight to 10 tonnes.
“The movement of overloaded dump trucks is causing rapid deterioration of the roads,” he said.
“The matter is being taken seriously and discussions will be held with higher authorities to take necessary action.”
