The 17-kilometre road connecting Pirojpur, Nazirpur, and Baithakata, a vital lifeline for five unions, has been in a dilapidated state for years.
A large number of people facing daily hardship passing through this road.
Despite Tk44 crore allocated for its renovation, no progress has been made as a result of alleged corruption by powerful figures associated with the previous Awami League party, according to local sources.
The road, which serves as the only route for people in Nazirpur’s five unions, has deteriorated so severely that potholes and loose gravel dominate the surface. This has caused frequent accidents, with commuters risking their lives daily. It has been described as resembling a rural footpath, despite being a major route.
The renovation project, awarded to contractor M/s Ifti ITCL Pvt Ltd, was supposed to begin in June 2024 and finish by June 2025. However, allegations have emerged that the contractor, with the help of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) officials and Mirajul Islam, the former chairman of Bhandaria Upazila and brother of the Pirojpur-2 Member of Parliament from the former party, misused his influence. According to reports, the entire project allocation of Tk 44 crore was fraudulently withdrawn without any work being done.
Local residents and frequent commuters are incensed by the situation. “For the past six or seven years, we have been forced to travel this dangerous route. It feels like we are on a village trail rather than a proper road,” said Toufiq Sheikh, a resident of Baithakata.
The road is also the only access point to one of the largest floating vegetable markets in the district, further exacerbating the inconvenience for thousands of traders and residents who rely on the route.
Tariqul Sheikh, a local auto-rickshaw driver who commutes the route daily, shared his frustration, “This 17-kilometre road used to take 30 minutes, but now, due to the potholes and damaged road, it takes over an hour. Moreover, many vehicles suffer damages due to the poor road conditions.”
He added that transporting sick passengers has become a nightmare as ambulances avoid the route due to the high risk of vehicle breakdowns.
Local authorities have acknowledged the issue. LGED officials have been in contact with the contractor, repeatedly urging them to complete the project, but progress remains stalled. When questioned about the fraudulent withdrawal of funds, Azizur Rahman, the Executive Officer of LGED, declined to comment.
Nazirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Sajia Sahnaj Tama, said: “All projects with corruption allegations, particularly in the Local Government Division, are currently suspended. However, the administration is committed to completing the work once the investigations are concluded.”
The roadwork was awarded under the Barishal Widening Project, but it is now under investigation due to the role of corrupt LGED officials and the contractor’s failure to deliver on their promise.
This scandal has left thousands of residents and commuters trapped in a dire situation, as they continue to face the harsh realities of inadequate infrastructure and the alleged exploitation of public funds.
