In a unique form of protest, chief organiser of South Region of National Citizen Party (NCP) Hasnat Abdullah released live fish into the pothole-ridden Debidwar–Chandina regional road in Debidwar upazila of Cumilla on Friday morning.
Hasnat staged the symbolic protest in Kachisar area during a public campaign, drawing attention to the authorities’ negligence in repairing the 14.5-km-long road.
Locals said the Debidwar–Chandina road is a vital connector between Dhaka–Chattogram and Cumilla–Sylhet highways. But, the road has long remained in a dilapidated state, filled with large potholes that make travel extremely difficult.
During rain, stagnant water turns the road into a hazard, often leading to accidents and loss of life.
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Joining the protest, residents expressed their frustration over delays in renovation.
NCP leader Hasnat said people commute on this road every day and recently a youth died here.
“If the authorities cannot fix it they might as well turn it into a fish farm. At least people could eat the fish. I’m releasing fish here today, and I urge others to do the same,” he said.