Condition of more than five thousand kilometres of roads and highways is not safe for home-goers in the upcoming Eid vacation. The Police Headquarters say some forty lakh people will leave the capital city by road. But, many inter-district routes and highways are not fit for tackling the burden of frequently commuting heavy vehicles. However, we all suffer more or less due to the poor condition of roads and highways.

Sadly, this vital issue gets exclusive media attention only before the two respective Eid festivals, while it should be focused regularly as a critical national issue, since better communications infrastructure is considered one of the preconditions of a country’s overall development. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index 2018, the roads of Bangladesh are second-worst among all Asian countries. This report reveals the reverse relation between development and transport sector of our country.

A recent survey conducted by the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) this year has disclosed that 4,247 out of 17,452 km roads and highways is in poor or very bad condition .These roads are in need of immediate repair. Unfortunately, no long-term plan has been initiated to upgrade the poor and damaged roads, apart from some sporadic makeshift efforts.

Reasons of our poorly built roads are mainly low grade work quality and the rampant usage of substandard raw materials. And these two key factors are directly responsible for the short longevity and dilapidated condition of our roads. Moreover, there is a clear lack of transparency and accountability among concerned contractor s and engineers.  In addition, recent heavy rainfall has further exacerbated the situation. Although sufficient funds are allocated to construct top-grade roads, a large portion of funds is misused and swindled by government officials, contractors and politicians.

Reportedly, relevant authorities including Roads and Highway Department and the Local Government Division are trying to renovate the damaged roads. This sporadic quick arrangements have being undertaken for many years without offering a concrete solution for Eid home goers. Now it must end.

The RHD and LGD require Tk 3,243 crore to repair all dilapidated roads of the country. But we believe the amount of the allocated sum is not enough. Also, it is time to import better and advanced technologies coupled with efficient foreign experts and engineers.

Lastly, it is time to put an end to all types of short lasting temporary arrangements and especially prior to the two Eid festivals.