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Published : 29 Aug 2025, 08:12 PM
Darkness engulfs the tunnel in Bandarban that was built at a cost of Tk 110 million to connect the town bus station with the new central bus terminal.
Not a single light works inside, forcing vehicles to switch on headlights even at midday.
Rainwater seeps through the walls although no heavy rain falls outside.
Pools of water have formed at the centre of the tunnel, creating potholes on the surface from constant vehicle movement.
Muddy water covers the road, forcing pedestrians to wade through.
Cars are parked haphazardly at both entrances, making it difficult to believe this is a road tunnel built only two years ago with a multimillion-taka investment.
The structure, known locally as the Bandarban Bus Terminal Tunnel, lies a few yards from the central terminal.
Before its construction, the stretch between two hills was muddy and dangerous, particularly in the monsoon when landslides often blocked the road. Drivers then had to make a long detour via the traffic point.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board built the 500-foot tunnel.
Work began in the 2018-19 fiscal year but, after delays and fresh allocations, the project was completed in October 2023 at a final cost of Tk 110 million.
It was inaugurated on Oct 27, 2023 by the then minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Bir Bahadur Ushwe Sing of the Awami League government. At the launch he said the tunnel would protect hills, ease congestion, shorten distances and enhance tourism.
Yet within two years, rainwater drips through the walls. In the dry season, dust inside the tunnel creates new suffering for pedestrians, forcing them to cover nose and mouth while vehicles pass.
During a visit, one entrance was blocked by parked vehicles while a mound of earth from a landslide stood at the other. Though daytime, the tunnel remained pitch-dark. No lights were lit and every vehicle used headlights.
Maintenance and cleaning is the responsibility of the municipal authority but no evidence of upkeep could be seen.
Mahbub, an autorickshaw driver who gave a single name, said: “We drive at risk. The tunnel is not even two years old but water drips and soil collapses. They should not have built it like this. We have to use it in misery.”
Pavel Barua, a shopkeeper at the bus station, said: “The tunnel was meant to help us but we gained nothing. Only public money was wasted. This was taxpayers’ money, not from anyone’s pocket. They spent so much but after two years water drips, no lights work, soil collapses, the inside is dark.
“How can people travel through this? Last night at 12am, the lights went off. Luckily my motorbike light was on, otherwise I would have been scared. They wasted our money and perhaps pocketed it. The public did not benefit,” he added.
Pointing at piles of soil at the terminal side, resident Md Helal said: “Heavy rain causes soil from the hill to block the tunnel. Trucks removed some but much remains. Now it’s so muddy that even walking is difficult.”
Shariful Islam, a helper with Shyamoli Paribahan, said: “Mud damages the engine and suddenly the brakes fail. If this is the condition after spending so much, where is the benefit for the people?”
Several hundreds students of Sangu High School, located only a few yards away, pass through the tunnel daily. They face difficulties from mud during the rains and dust at other times.
Resident Md Raihan said: “The tunnel is not clean. The lights are never on. It is always dark. We walk through in constant fear.”
Another resident, Hossain, complained: “It was supposed to be longer but they stopped halfway. Even in this short section water has created potholes. The whole tunnel is in darkness.”
The project was awarded to contractor firm MM Traders, owned by Mong E Marma, who died two years ago.
Raju Barua, one of the contractors, said construction was carried out according to design. “
Each year landslides occurred from both hillsides, so walls were built. At Sangu School side, pipes were installed to drain water, but they were stolen two or three years ago. Soil then blocked the tunnel, water could not drain and mud built up inside. Cracks in concrete joints allowed water to seep. We will repair after the monsoon ends,” he said.
Angchimong Marma, district anti-corruption committee president said: “If water seeps within two years, it shows the tunnel was not built to standard despite the high cost. If materials and methods were proper, we would not see leaks. Those involved in construction and supervision must be held accountable, otherwise taxpayers’ money will be washed away. Such waste is unacceptable.”
Executive Engineer Abu Bin Yasir Arafat of the Development Board’s Bandarban unit said the structure was originally a connecting road but later resembled a tunnel. “Water drips through the RCC joints, not cracks. During monsoon, landslides block the tunnel. Geo bags were used but were stolen. Lights were stolen too and drug addicts have taken over the spot.
“The initial electricity link was cut off by the power department. Solar panels were installed but failed. The tunnel is 500 feet long, built with Tk 50 million in 2018-20 and Tk 60 million in 2020-23, totalling Tk 110 million.”
“The work was finished five years ago but the inauguration was two years ago. Handover to Bandarban municipality is in process. Toll revenue is now shared between us and the municipality, with negotiations under way. We hope transfer will be completed soon,” he added.
