Risky roads in Bakshi Bazar
Staff Reporter :
The Bakshi Bazar area in central Dhaka has been under construction for an extended period, severely disrupting vehicular movement and significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Locals report that large, 200-300 meter-long ditches have been left uncovered, creating dangerous potholes that often fill with water even after light rain, making the road hazardous for all kinds of vehicles.
Commuters have expressed growing concerns over the situation. “Light vehicles like human haulers frequently overturn here,” said a local resident, “and the road has been unfit for use for several days. Yet, the authorities haven’t done anything to fix it.”
The damaged road poses a significant risk to both drivers and passengers. A recent visit by a reporter from The New Nation revealed that the area sees heavy traffic on a daily basis, including private cars, microbuses, battery-run three-wheelers, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, and buses.
With a nearby bus stand serving thousands of passengers each day, the road has become a critical route despite its deteriorating condition.
A truck driver, who uses the road regularly, described the situation as untenable: “We have to risk using this road every day. Sometimes light vehicles break down here, causing major delays and inconvenience to passengers.”
The issues in Bakshi Bazar are part of a larger problem affecting many roads in Dhaka. Prolonged roadworks and neglect of basic maintenance have left streets and alleyways in a state of disrepair.
Potholes, often worsened by heavy rains during the monsoon, create a deadly environment for commuters. Water stagnation in these potholes during rains can submerge the roads, making it difficult for drivers to spot hazards, often leading to accidents.
Residents are frustrated by the lack of action from local authorities. “The road excavation and repair work seem to go on endlessly, with little progress being made,” said another local. “The situation has become unbearable for city dwellers, with road accidents happening regularly and traffic congestions lasting for hours.
The situation is further exacerbated during the monsoon months when rainwater fills the potholes, making them even harder to navigate. The ongoing water stagnation not only creates risks for road users but also contributes to hours-long traffic jams, a daily problem in many parts of the city.
However, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has made efforts to address the issue. The engineering department, under the leadership of AF Hassan Arif, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, along with the supervision of Administrator Md Nazrul Islam, has undertaken repairs on several damaged roads within its jurisdiction.
The repair work, which began in October, is expected to be completed by the end of November, offering some relief to the city’s residents.
Despite these efforts, many residents remain skeptical about the timely completion of repairs, given the ongoing construction delays and the scale of the damage. They continue to call on authorities to prioritize road safety and maintenance to avoid further accidents and inconvenience.
As the capital city’s infrastructure struggles to keep up with the demands of its growing population, residents hope that these repairs will bring much-needed improvements to the city’s roads and alleviate the daily risks commuters face.
