State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib. File photo

By Mostak Ahmed

DHAKA, July 18, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib has said the government has launched an extensive drive to repair roads and highways damaged by recent heavy rainfall and floods, with the worst-affected areas in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and the hill districts receiving top priority.

In an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) at his Secretariat office, the state minister said the government is determined to restore transport connectivity as quickly as possible to ease public suffering and ensure uninterrupted economic activities.

"We will not allow the country's transport network to remain disrupted for long due to the disaster. Damaged roads are being repaired on a priority basis so that people can travel safely and economic activities continue without interruption," he said.

Habib said persistent rainfall and flooding have caused extensive damage to road infrastructure across several regions. In many places, road surfaces have been washed away, shoulders have collapsed and culverts and drainage systems have been damaged, while prolonged waterlogging has weakened pavement structures.

He said the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has been directed to immediately identify all damaged roads, assess the extent of losses and begin repair work without delay.

According to a preliminary assessment, around 212 kilometres of roads in the Chattogram region have sustained varying levels of damage. 

The affected stretches include national highways, regional highways and key district roads. Flood currents have washed away parts of several roads, while erosion beneath road surfaces has created hazardous conditions in many locations.

Given Chattogram's strategic importance as the country's principal seaport and a major industrial and trade hub, restoring road connectivity in the region has been accorded the highest priority, the state minister said.

He said a special monitoring mechanism involving executive engineers, supervising engineers and chief engineers has already been activated to oversee the repair programme.

In the first phase, repair work is focusing on roads used to transport emergency supplies, including food, medicines, fuel and relief materials. Priority is also being given to roads connecting district and upazila headquarters, hospitals, ports, industrial zones, power plants and other vital government installations.

Habib said temporary restoration will be carried out where permanent reconstruction requires more time, ensuring that traffic movement continues. Permanent and more durable repairs will be undertaken after the monsoon season.

To minimise public inconvenience, he said field-level engineers and officials have been instructed to remain on round-the-clock standby. Vulnerable areas are being monitored continuously, while construction materials and equipment have been kept ready for emergency response.

The state minister acknowledged that flooding has temporarily disrupted the transportation of agricultural produce, industrial goods and essential commodities in several areas.

 However, he said normal communication is being restored through emergency repairs, alternative routes and close coordination with local administrations.

Maintaining uninterrupted transport connectivity is essential for sustaining the country's economy, he added.

Habib said emergency repairs are currently being financed from the RHD's maintenance fund. Once a comprehensive assessment is completed, additional government funding will be sought if required, ensuring that no important repair work is delayed due to financial constraints.

Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, the state minister said future road construction will place greater emphasis on climate resilience. Planned measures include improved drainage systems, raising road elevations, using more durable construction materials and strengthening protection in erosion-prone areas.

He stressed that repairing damaged roads alone would not be sufficient and called for long-term planning to prevent recurring damage at the same locations. Engineers have been instructed to adopt modern technologies and sustainable engineering solutions in reconstruction works.

Habib also said bridges and culverts are under close surveillance, with special monitoring in place for structures exposed to excessive pressure or potential damage. Temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles may be imposed where necessary to ensure public safety.

Calling on field officials to discharge their duties with sincerity, he warned that negligence would not be tolerated. Progress of all repair projects will be monitored regularly to ensure timely completion, he said.

The state minister said the Roads and Highways Department, local administration, police, Fire Service and other relevant agencies are working in close coordination to restore communications in the flood-hit areas as quickly as possible.

He also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-affected and high-risk areas and to report any damaged roads or bridges to the local administration or Roads Department officials, saying public cooperation would help accelerate repair work.

Habib said the government's goal is not only to rehabilitate flood-damaged roads but also to build safer, stronger and climate-resilient transport infrastructure capable of withstanding future natural disasters.

He expressed optimism that, weather permitting, most priority repair works would be completed soon and the country's transport network would return to normal at the earliest.