Naljala village in Bishramganj faces severe connectivity problems as villagers carry a 70-year-old man’s body to the cemetery over a poor road, highlighting long-standing demands for proper construction and repair of the Naljala-Jotatali road.
In Naljala village of Bishramganj, poor road connectivity has once again highlighted the everyday hardships faced by residents, as villagers were forced to carry the mortal remains of a 70-year-old man on their shoulders to reach the cemetery.
The incident took place on Saturday following the death of Kasem Mia, aged 70. Villagers said the absence of a properly constructed road made it difficult to transport the body, with the funeral journey becoming particularly challenging. The situation, they said, reflects a broader connectivity problem that has affected the village for decades.
The road connecting Naljala with Jotatali has reportedly remained in poor condition for years. According to local residents, the road has not received proper brick paving or adequate repair despite the passage of nearly 80 years since Independence. During the monsoon, villagers said, the condition of the road deteriorates further, making movement even more difficult.
For residents, however, the problem extends far beyond the transportation of a deceased person. They said the road is an important route for their daily activities, including travelling for work and education, transporting essential goods and accessing basic services.
Medical emergencies are also a major concern for the villagers. Residents said that when someone requires urgent medical attention, travelling quickly becomes difficult because of the poor condition of the road. During the rainy season, the situation reportedly becomes more challenging as the road becomes difficult to use.
The difficulties were particularly visible on Saturday when villagers carried Kasem Mia’s body to the cemetery. Among those who joined the effort was 80-year-old Rashid Mia, who, along with other residents, appealed to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha to intervene in the matter.
Villagers said they have raised the demand for repair of the Naljala-Jotatali road several times. However, they alleged that their repeated appeals have not resulted in a permanent solution. They are now demanding either proper construction of the road or comprehensive repair to ensure better connectivity throughout the year.
“For a rural community, a road is more than a strip of earth connecting two settlements. It determines how easily people can reach medical care, travel for work and education, transport essential goods and respond to emergencies. In our village, even death can’t guarantee a respite from the connectivity issue,” a villager said.
Residents have urged the Chief Minister to take necessary steps to address the long-standing road problem and ensure that the Naljala-Jotatali route is properly constructed or repaired.
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The villagers said improved road connectivity would not only make funeral journeys easier but also help residents access healthcare, education, employment opportunities and other essential services.
There was no immediate response from the authorities concerned to the villagers’ allegations or their demand for construction and repair of the road.
