|| Mijan Akanda, Phulpur: Five important roads in Phulpur upazila have deteriorated severely due to prolonged neglect and lack of repair, causing widespread public suffering during the ongoing monsoon.Potholes and large craters have developed across the roads, making regular travel difficult and hazardous. Accidents have reportedly become frequent, while vehicles are often breaking down while navigating the damaged stretches.A recent field visit found that a five-kilometre road from Chhatpagla intersection to Kashiganj Bazar in Chhandhara Union has become riddled with potholes and deep depressions.Locals said even light rain leaves the potholes filled with water, making them difficult to identify. Pedestrians, rickshaws, vans, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and goods-laden vehicles have to move slowly and cautiously, but accidents still occur.Around 40 villages depend on the road and residents face serious difficulties in travelling to markets and other destinations.A similar situation prevails on the six-kilometre road from Sakhlya intersection in Bhaitkandi Union to Goyadanga in Rambhadrapur Union.Another four-kilometre road connecting Bhaitkandi Bazar with Michki Para Bazar has become almost unusable. As a result, communication between around 20 villages and Phulpur Sadar and Bhaitkandi Bazar has been severely disrupted.Meanwhile, the busy 15-kilometre road from Amuakanda intersection in Phulpur municipality to Bowla Bazar in Bowla Union is also in poor condition, with much of the road covered with potholes.The road is the main route to the district and upazila headquarters for residents of at least 40 villages in Bowla, Balia and Rupasi unions. Thousands of light and heavy vehicles use the road every day, but its deteriorating condition has increased the risk of accidents.The road from Amuakanda intersection to Rahimganj Union is also in a deplorable state, adding to the hardship of local residents.People in the affected areas have urged the local administration and the relevant higher authorities to take immediate steps to repair the roads and restore safe communication.Upazila Engineer Jahangir Hossain said he had personally observed the poor condition of the roads. “Proposals have already been sent to the higher authorities seeking repairs in the public interest,” he said.