Unregistered vehicles dominate Laksam's main roads causing sufferings to pedestrians
Moshiur Rahman Selim, Cumilla South
The primary cause of traffic congestion on these roads is the lack of designated stands and the rampant operation of various transport vehicles parked haphazardly. It seems the local administration is playing the role of a silent spectator in this scenario. Moreover, extortion is quietly taking place on all these roads, with the local administration again appearing as a mute observer. This time, ahead of Ramadan Eid, all these transport sectors have hiked fares excessively.
Multiple local sources report that in all the upazilas of the southern Cumilla district, these various transport systems have become a significant barrier to road communication. The only means of connectivity between this region, the capital, and other districts is via roadways. The inter-district roads and connecting routes in this area are plagued by various issues, causing immense daily suffering for ordinary commuters.
Multiple local sources report that in all the upazilas of the southern Cumilla district, these various transport systems have become a significant barrier to road communication. The only means of connectivity between this region, the capital, and other districts is via roadways. The inter-district roads and connecting routes in this area are plagued by various issues, causing immense daily suffering for ordinary commuters.
The road networks of the five upazilas in the southern district are under the control of trade union labor syndicates, marked by extortion, pickpocketing, drug abuse, hangouts of unruly elements, and the operation of low-quality, unauthorized ramshackle vehicles. There are no passenger shelters, designated terminals, or transport stands to speak of. Additionally, there is a lack of experienced drivers and helpers, alongside other persistent problems. Many vehicles lack legitimacy or route permits.
Sources further reveal that the main and adjacent roads of the five upazilas in the southern district intersect with major routes such as Dhaka-Chandpur, Dhaka-Chittagong, and Dhaka-Noakhali, underscoring the immense importance of this region.
Sources further reveal that the main and adjacent roads of the five upazilas in the southern district intersect with major routes such as Dhaka-Chandpur, Dhaka-Chittagong, and Dhaka-Noakhali, underscoring the immense importance of this region.
Among the primary roads and their branch lines, issues are particularly acute on routes like Laksam-Chauddagram, Laksam-Chandpur, Laksam-Monoharganj, Laksam-Cumilla, Laksam-Nangalkot, and Laksam-Kashinagar. The roads connecting the district headquarters to nearby upazila markets and bazaars face similar challenges. On these roads, ramshackle vehicles, polluting the environment and lacking fitness certification, operate freely, harassing passengers, charging fares beyond government rates, and increasing dominance by bus workers and local laborers in goods transportation. The unchecked influence of local thugs further compounds the situation, needing no elaboration.
According to multiple legal and environmental sources, an interim order from the Supreme Court’s High Court Division (Petition No. 916/2019) directed the identification and seizure of vehicles emitting excessive black smoke.
According to multiple legal and environmental sources, an interim order from the Supreme Court’s High Court Division (Petition No. 916/2019) directed the identification and seizure of vehicles emitting excessive black smoke.
However, both the district BRTA authorities and local administration remain silent spectators in this regard. Specifically, vehicles emitting black smoke are supposed to be barred from roads, and if found operating, mobile courts are authorized to take action against the vehicles, drivers, or owners under Section 89 of the Road Transport Act 2018. Yet, the irresponsibility and inaction of the concerned authorities have raised questions among the people of this region.
On the other hand, numerous old, dilapidated, and ramshackle transport vehicles are transporting passengers and goods on these roads, posing severe risks. Some of these vehicles have been plying the roads for 30 to 35 years. This puts both the environment and public movement in significant jeopardy. Locals fear widespread damage to the environment and property due to these operations. The “road kings” are mysteriously flouting government rules and regulations.
On the other hand, numerous old, dilapidated, and ramshackle transport vehicles are transporting passengers and goods on these roads, posing severe risks. Some of these vehicles have been plying the roads for 30 to 35 years. This puts both the environment and public movement in significant jeopardy. Locals fear widespread damage to the environment and property due to these operations. The “road kings” are mysteriously flouting government rules and regulations.
Thanks to the current government’s extensive development efforts, connectivity between villages and cities has become easier, enabling rural products to reach urban buyers quickly and at lower costs. This has economically benefited people of all professions in the region, according to many. However, in many cases, these substandard vehicles continue to create obstacles.
Repeated attempts to contact multiple officials from the relevant government departments via mobile phone failed to yield any statements.
Repeated attempts to contact multiple officials from the relevant government departments via mobile phone failed to yield any statements.
