Volunteers restore vital village roads in Moulvibazar through collective action
A group of youths in Singur village, located in the Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar, has successfully restored two critical access roads through a community-led initiative. By pooling local donations and contributing volunteer labor, the residents have repaired significant damage on the half-kilometer-long pathways, including the installation of durable cement-concrete reinforcements at key junctions.
The project was spearheaded by the "Purbo Singur Notun Kuri Club," a local volunteer organization. Faced with deteriorating infrastructure that had not seen significant state maintenance in over a decade, members raised approximately 100,000 taka from local residents and expatriates. Beginning in mid-June, teams of 30 to 40 volunteers dedicated their mornings to completing the repairs, which concluded this week.
These roads serve as vital lifelines for the roughly 10,000 residents of Singur, particularly during the Boro rice season when farmers rely on the routes to reach the Hakaluki Haor wetlands. According to club secretary Bashir Al Ferdous, the lack of proper drainage and protective barriers previously left the roads vulnerable to flooding and seasonal damage. The group now intends to clear clogged roadside drains and is calling on local authorities to construct necessary culverts and retaining walls to ensure the long-term integrity of the infrastructure.
This effort marks the latest in a series of community-improvement projects by the club. In 2023, the organization installed 50 solar-powered streetlights across the village, and in 2024, they earned widespread praise for constructing a dedicated shelter in the Hakaluki Haor to protect farmers from sun, rain, and lightning.
Local government officials have lauded the initiative. Khorshed Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Boromchal Union Parishad, and Kulaura Upazila Executive Officer Sanjida Akhter both commended the youths for their spirit of volunteerism. The local administration has indicated a willingness to review the project and consider further government assistance for the requested drainage and infrastructure upgrades once a formal proposal is submitted.
