A four-kilometre stretch of the Rangpur-Dhaka Highway, passing through the Mithapukur upazila, has turned into a deadly zone, claiming at least seven lives in the past month alone.
This crucial portion of the highway, featuring three major intersections, has long lacked basic traffic signals or safe pedestrian crossings, resulting in frequent accidents and casualties.
Despite being developed under the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation project, this segment of the highway suffers from poor planning and oversight, officials concerned said, wishing anonymity.
The absence of proper infrastructure and road safety measures has led to a sharp rise in accidents.
The most hazardous points along the stretch are the Gorer Matha intersection, Bairati Road junction near the local fire service station and the bustling marketplace at Shathibari.
Located just one kilometre from the Mithapukur upazila parishad and police station, Gorer Matha has emerged as a perilous four-way intersection.
Roads from Dinajpur-Phulbari鈥檚 coal mine area and the Balarhat region converge here with the main Rangpur-Dhaka highway.
Despite the high volume of traffic and strategic importance, no flyover or underpass has been constructed. The lack of traffic signals further aggravates the danger.
Long-haul drivers have no indication that they are approaching a major intersection, leading to regular accidents鈥� some fatal.
A regional road connecting Imadpur and Milonpur unions was linked to the Rangpur-Dhaka highway about two years ago near the Shathibari fire service station.
A site inspection revealed the absence of any overpass. As a result, vehicles are forced to divert approximately 1.5 kilometres to access Milonpur Road.
Besides, a concrete wall in the middle of the highway divides the lanes, yet many drivers flout traffic rules and attempt risky crossings. This has led to multiple accidents, some of which have left victims severely injured or even dead.
The traditional Shathibari haat, a major commercial hub in Mithapukur, has been bisected by the newly built highway. The concrete wall dividing the market not only hampers local businesses but also diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Despite the area鈥檚 significance鈥攈ousing banks, insurance offices, government buildings, shops and markets鈥攏o pedestrian bridge or underpass exists.
Hundreds of people cross the highway every day at this point, taking serious risks.
People of the area say that at least seven pedestrians have died in the past month alone due to accidents in this area.
鈥楳illions have been spent on road construction, yet there is no safe crossing. People are forced to climb over the concrete dividers to get across,鈥� said Sheikh Sadi, a trader.
Similar concerns have been echoed by people in Gorer Matha and Bairati Road areas, all stressing the need for a more thoughtful and safe transportation plan.
Officer-in-charge of Boro Darogah highway police station, Md Omar Faruq, said, 鈥楾hree people, including a woman, died in Shathibari area in the past month alone. Another three to four deaths occurred in other parts of Mithapukur. We have informed the Roads and Highways Department about the need for flyovers in high-density areas. But, the people must also remain vigilant and responsible.鈥�
While expressing sympathy over the recent fatalities, executive engineer of Rangpur Roads and Highways Department Md Moniruzzaman said, 鈥楢t present, there is no scope for constructing flyovers. But we will inform the higher authorities about the risky spots in the interest of public safety.鈥�
Mithapukur upazila nirbahi officer Zillur Rahman also confirmed receiving a written complaint demanding safer road infrastructure. 鈥榃e are considering the issue seriously and will notify the relevant departments.鈥�
As the death toll climbs and public outcry grows louder, the urgency for immediate and effective intervention becomes ever more critical.
