Moulvibazar Sadar’s Sherpur Bazar, particularly the area around Muktijoddha Chottor, has become notorious for severe flooding every time it rains, leaving commuters stranded on the Sylhet–Dhaka alternative highway. Water accumulates on both sides of the road, rendering large stretches impassable. Despite the persistent nature of this problem, no long-term solution has been implemented. Local residents continue to navigate the flooded streets using makeshift wooden walkways.
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Causes of the Flooding
According to local residents and pedestrians, unplanned drainage systems combined with haphazard market construction have turned the area into a flood-prone zone. Even light rainfall now leads to substantial waterlogging, causing major inconvenience to the public and damaging sections of the highway, which was built at considerable expense.
The Sylhet–Dhaka bypass was completed in late 2004. At that time, drainage channels were constructed around Muktijoddha Chottor to direct rainwater into adjacent canals. However, the lower-lying sections of the chottor prevent natural water flow, and the proliferation of unplanned markets, floating shops, and commercial establishments has rendered the drainage largely ineffective.
Compounding the issue, pavements along the southern regional highway and western bypass road have been damaged, while hundreds of vehicles are parked obstructively by transport workers. Small-scale vendors, hotel owners, and other businesses further block drainage by discarding waste indiscriminately. Local pedestrian Goush Mia reports that even minor rainfall disrupts daily movement, and the ongoing festive season has heightened the hardship for women, children, and the elderly. People are forced to walk over wooden planks and scattered concrete blocks to navigate the waterlogged areas.
Impact on Transportation
Jahangir Khan, manager of the Sherpur Bus Stand under the Sylhet Minibus Owners’ Association, notes that poor drainage at Muktijoddha Chottor perpetually affects residents. The bus stand serves as a transit point for passengers from at least three to four upazilas across four districts in Sylhet Division. Daily, hundreds of vehicles—including long-distance buses and trucks—pass through this junction. A proper terminal could significantly relieve the congestion and mitigate flooding problems.
Local Business Concerns
Syed Liakat Ali, owner of Syed Siddique Ali Market in the Chottor, stated that last year, measures were taken with the project director of the single-lane highway project to improve drainage. However, this year, business owners are again facing severe hardship due to persistent waterlogging.
Official Response
Kaiser Hamid, Executive Engineer of the Moulvibazar Roads and Highways Department, confirmed that the affected area falls under the Sylhet–Dhaka Corridor Road Development Project (single-lane construction). He stated that authorities have been informed, and necessary steps will be taken to restore proper drainage under the project’s supervision.
Flooded Zones and Vehicle Impact
| Area/Section | Vehicles Affected | Main Cause of Flooding |
|---|---|---|
| Muktijoddha Chottor | All types of vehicles | Ineffective drainage, unplanned markets |
| Southern regional highway | Buses, small trucks | Pavement damage, obstructive parking |
| Western bypass road | Vans, autorickshaws | Illegally parked vehicles, waste dumping |
The recurring flooding at Sherpur Bazar’s Muktijoddha Chottor highlights the urgent need for planned drainage systems, market reorganisation, and the establishment of a proper terminal to ensure both commuter safety and the protection of infrastructure. Without immediate intervention, both daily transportation and local economic activity will continue to suffer extensive disruption.