State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib has announced that the government is undertaking an extensive drive to repair roads and highways damaged by recent heavy rainfall and floods. The worst-affected areas in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and the hill districts are receiving top priority. The government is determined to restore transport connectivity swiftly to ease public suffering and ensure uninterrupted economic activities.
Extensive Damage and Immediate Response
Persistent rainfall and flooding have caused extensive damage to road infrastructure across several regions. Road surfaces have been washed away, shoulders have collapsed, and culverts and drainage systems have been damaged. The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has been directed to immediately identify all damaged roads, assess the extent of losses, and begin repair work without delay. A preliminary assessment indicates that around 212 kilometers of roads in the Chattogram region have sustained varying levels of damage.
Strategic Priorities and Long-Term Solutions
Given Chattogram's strategic importance as the country's principal seaport and a major industrial and trade hub, restoring road connectivity in the region has been accorded the highest priority. In the first phase, repair work is focusing on roads used to transport emergency supplies, including food, medicines, fuel, and relief materials. Priority is also being given to roads connecting district and upazila headquarters, hospitals, ports, industrial zones, power plants, and other vital government installations.
Temporary restoration will be carried out where permanent reconstruction requires more time, ensuring that traffic movement continues. Permanent and more durable repairs will be undertaken after the monsoon season. The state minister has acknowledged that flooding has temporarily disrupted the transportation of agricultural produce, industrial goods, and essential commodities in several areas. However, normal communication is being restored through emergency repairs, alternative routes, and close coordination with local administrations.
Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, the state minister said future road construction will place greater emphasis on climate resilience. Planned measures include improved drainage systems, raising road elevations, using more durable construction materials, and strengthening protection in erosion-prone areas. He stressed that repairing damaged roads alone would not be sufficient and called for long-term planning to prevent recurring damage at the same locations. Engineers have been instructed to adopt modern technologies and sustainable engineering solutions in reconstruction works.
The state minister also said bridges and culverts are under close surveillance, with special monitoring in place for structures exposed to excessive pressure or potential damage. Temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles may be imposed where necessary to ensure public safety. He urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected and high-risk areas and to report any damaged roads or bridges to the local administration or Roads Department officials, saying public cooperation would help accelerate repair work.
