Jaflong New Market Road in Dilapidated Condition, Upazilas Suffer.

Naeem Ahmed, Jaintapur-Gowainghat, Sylhet. The important Jaflong-New Market Road in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet has been in a dilapidated condition for a long time. Large potholes, uneven surfaces and damaged sections at various points of the road are causing severe hardship to local residents every day. The situation worsens after even a little rain, as water accumulates at several points along the road. Locals allege that the road is gradually becoming unfit for travel due to the lack of necessary repairs and maintenance for a long time. Particularly during the rainy season, accumulated rainwater further deteriorates the damaged sections, making the situation even worse. As a result, the movement of small vehicles, including auto-rickshaws and motorcycles, has become difficult, while the risk of accidents has also increased. Every day, local residents as well as traders, students, patients and working people use this important road. In addition, Jaflong, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of Bangladesh every day. Consequently, tourists are also facing considerable inconvenience due to the poor condition of the road. Local residents said that if the road is not repaired soon, the suffering will increase further in the coming days. They also complained that although several reports have previously been published in different media outlets highlighting the poor condition of the Jaflong-New Market Road, no permanent solution has yet been implemented. Residents have demanded that the concerned authorities urgently repair the damaged sections of the road and make it safe and suitable for normal vehicular movement. They expressed hope that effective measures will be taken soon to free the people of the two upazilas and tourists from their long-standing suffering.