Severe Road Crisis on Dhaka–Matlab Highway: Waterlogged Potholes Disrupt Transport

Large potholes on the Dhaka–Matlab highway have turned into waterlogged traps, creating serious risks for daily commuters. Vehicles are forced to wade through these potholes filled with stagnant water. As a result, engines often stall, leaving cars, buses, and trucks stranded in the middle of the road. In several cases, smaller vehicles have overturned while trying to cross the damaged sections.

On August 24, the worst conditions were reported in areas such as Pennai and Daudkandi of Cumilla district. Local drivers and passengers complained that these stretches of the highway have become almost unusable during the rainy season. Heavy rainfall over the past weeks has worsened the situation, as the damaged road surface holds water for days without proper drainage.

Transport workers and residents said that although authorities have been aware of the problem for months, repair work has either been delayed or left incomplete. Temporary patchwork is quickly washed away by rain, forcing vehicles to endure the same dangers again. Truck and bus operators also report higher maintenance costs due to frequent engine damage and accidents.

The crisis has not only slowed down movement between Dhaka and Matlab but also disrupted the transportation of goods, affecting businesses and raising costs for traders. Locals demand urgent, sustainable repairs rather than short-term fixes, warning that continued neglect could lead to serious accidents and economic losses.