Locals plant paddy on dilapidated road in Mirzapur

Residents of Paradighi village in Tangail’s Mirzapur planted paddy seedlings on a dilapidated road on Saturday, protesting its prolonged neglect and demanding that authorities pave it.

The protest took place around 11am on the road in the southern part of Paradighi village under Fatepur Union No. 3 of Mirzapur upazila.

Mirzapur Upazila Engineer Md Monirul Saj Rizon said the MP had advised authorities to undertake development projects for the Paradighi Southpara road and several other roads in the area.

“Projects have been prepared and sent to the ministry. The road will be developed after the projects are approved and funds are allocated,” he said.

Julhas, a farmer said the road, which is under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), has remained unpaved for decades and serves as a vital route for residents of 8-10 surrounding villages, including Paradighi, Tholpara, Fatepur Baddhyokorpara, Fatepur Palpara, Sutanari, Bankata and Hilra Adabari.

They said local representatives have repeatedly promised to pave the road during election campaigns, but no significant development work has been carried out after elections.

The poor condition of the road causes severe suffering, particularly during the rainy season. Even light rain leaves the road muddy and waterlogged, making it difficult for vehicles to pass and pedestrians to travel.

“Fifty-five years have passed since independence, but nobody has kept their promises,” said local residents Jabbar Khan, Ayub Mia and Ful Khatun Begum.

School students Simanto and Palash said they also face difficulties travelling along the road, especially during the rainy season.

Residents said they hoped the local MP would take immediate steps to pave the road and end their longstanding suffering.

As part of the protest, residents planted paddy seedlings on the muddy road, highlighting its condition and their frustration over years of neglect.