Manikganj, Bangladesh: A new chapter of infrastructure development has begun in Pachutia village under Tilli Union of Saturia Upazila in Manikganj, a river-surrounded region that has long struggled with poor connectivity. Construction is underway on the important road linking Pachutia with the Dakat Mara intersection on the main Tilli road, a project being implemented at a cost of several million taka.
The long-awaited road project has brought relief and optimism to local residents, who say inadequate transportation had created significant hardships for years, affecting access to education, healthcare, and the transportation of agricultural products. According to locals, the project moved forward after it came to the attention of Afroza Khanam Rita, Member of Parliament for Manikganj-3 and Bangladesh’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, who took prompt steps to initiate the construction.
Following the progress in Pachutia, residents of neighboring Akashi Village, another historic community within Tilli Union, have intensified their call for similar government development initiatives.
Home to nearly 4,000 residents, Akashi Village has five mosques, one government primary school, and a playground. However, local residents say the village has seen very little government-funded infrastructure development over the years.
Respected community leader and media personality M. Masud (Rana Masud) said that his family has long been contributing to the village’s welfare through private funding, including the establishment of the Akashi village cemetery, expansion of the South Para Jame Mosque, and various community development initiatives.
The family has now undertaken an ambitious project to build a Madrasa-cum-Orphanage for more than 200 students using their own resources. However, before permanent construction can begin on their privately owned land, the low-lying site must first be filled with sand or soil brought from the nearby river.
To make the project possible, local residents have appealed to Minister Afroza Khanam Rita for urgent intervention to facilitate the necessary government approvals and administrative support for the land-filling work.
Residents expressed hope that, just as the minister helped bring long-awaited road development to Pachutia, she will also support Akashi Village’s educational and humanitarian initiative, enabling the project to become a lasting benefit for future generations.
