Shahinur Islam Shahin, Khetlal ( Joypurhat)

Heavy monsoon rains have transformed key roads across Khetlal upazila into waterlogged, pothole-ridden tracks, inflicting severe suffering on commuters and spiking transport costs for local farmers during the ongoing Aman season.

An inadequate drainage system has left asphalt washed away in several areas and brick-paved roads submerged under filthy water, stranding thousands of residents across the upazila’s five unions and one municipality.

On-site observations revealed severe waterlogging at key municipal hubs, including Islampur, Thana Bazar-College Road, the Mundail BRAC intersection, and the Khetlal-Batoli road. Similar conditions prevail in rural areas, with roads in Krishnanagar, Sutrail, Kharita, and Kachakul villages of Baratara union, as well as Ati Dasra, Atimukul, and Dasra Kazipara intersections of Tulsiganga union, becoming virtually impassable.

At Atimukul village in Tulsiganga union, a 100-meter stretch of brick road connecting Shahidul’s house to Bhulu Mia’s house has remained underwater for weeks. Potholes have formed as bricks shifted under stagnant water, forcing around 500 residents and school children to wade through dirty water daily.

"I have to walk through filthy water every day to reach school. Many times, I slip and my books and clothes get soaked," said Mushfiqur Rahman, a fifth-grader at Atimukul Government Primary School.

Jahedul Islam, the school’s acting headmaster, urged authorities to immediately clear the water, noting that attendance has taken a hit due to the road's condition.

The road collapse has hit local farmers particularly hard amidst peak Aman paddy cultivation. Dilapidated conditions have driven up vehicle fares and extended transport times for agricultural produce moving from fields to local markets.

"If the roads were good, we would save both time and money. Right now, vehicles refuse to come to the fields, and those that do charge exorbitant fares," a local farmer said, demanding prompt repairs.

Local officials said steps are being taken to address the crisis.

Md. Aftab Hossain, Municipal Engineer, said a list of damaged roads and required drainage infrastructure has already been submitted to higher authorities, with work set to commence once allocations arrive.

Khetlal Upazila Deputy Assistant Engineer and Acting Upazila Executive Officer Abdur Rouf stated that the administration is identifying damaged roads in phases to initiate emergency repairs while planning long-term sustainable renovation and drainage solutions in coordination with local representatives.

However, residents emphasized that temporary fixes will not suffice, demanding permanent, engineered drainage networks to prevent annual monsoon waterlogging.