Ordeal of bumpy travel from Teknaf to Dhaka
Photo: Anurup Kanti Das
The other day I had the ill-fortune to travel by car from Teknaf to Dhaka. One thought kept bothering me throughout my travail. Are we such a poor country that we cannot keep our roads in good condition? Or is it the work of dishonest contractors in connivance with corrupt officials of the roads and highways department? There were approximately 100 places where the road was broken, had potholes, and was water-logged. The bone jarring drive will always be remembered along with the inadvertent curses on those responsible. I would seriously advise that no pregnant lady should take to these roads as a miscarriage may occur. May I also advise the minister and chief engineer of the ministry concerned to personally drive down and see for themselves the state of affairs of these roads? Also an audit should be carried out as to which contractors and department officials were involved in building these under specifications roads that need repair after a few years of completion. If the roads and highways department has any sense of responsibility to the public, they should take some positive action. Although, I am very skeptical that anyone will do anything, as my mother says "the world is built on hope".
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