Jhalakathi, Aug 12 (V7N) — Residents of Kathalia upazila in Jhalakathi district held a human chain on Tuesday, demanding the immediate reconstruction of a severely damaged two-kilometre road and three bridges that have disrupted communication in the area.
The protest was organised by the Kathalia Citizens’ Forum and began at around 10am near the Munshi Bari Bridge. Hundreds of local residents, students and pedestrians took part in the hour-long programme.
The road, maintained by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), connects Bottola Bazar with Jamaddar Hat and is used daily by thousands of people and vehicles. Locals said the road has remained without proper repairs for a long time, leaving large potholes across much of its surface.
They also said the three bridges along the road have deteriorated severely, making travel increasingly dangerous and, in some places, effectively disrupting communication. Accidents reportedly occur frequently as people are forced to use the damaged road and bridges.
Residents said critically ill patients, pregnant women and schoolchildren face particular difficulties travelling through the area.
Speakers at the protest expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of visible action from the authorities despite the worsening public hardship.
They urged the LGED and local administration to begin road repairs and reconstruction of the bridges immediately, warning that they would announce tougher programmes if the authorities failed to take prompt action.
Representatives of civil society, local business owners and people from various professions also expressed solidarity with the protesters and called for effective intervention by the relevant authorities.
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