Almost three decades after being upgraded to a first-class municipality, Chuadanga still struggles to deliver the basic urban facilities its residents had hoped for.

A faulty drainage network and crumbling roads have left the town’s nine wards vulnerable to flooding, even after a spell of light rain.

For many here, the problem has become part of daily life. Every monsoon, rainwater accumulates on the streets, drains overflow and stagnant pools linger for days, turning neighbourhoods into muddy obstacle courses.

While the entire municipality suffers, the situation is particularly dire in Buzrukgargari, Banani Para, Shantipara, Sabuj Para, Sadek Ali Mallik Para, Palash Para, Gulshan Para, Mukti Para, South Hospital Para and Mosque Para areas.

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“Every monsoon brings panic,” said Pial Khan, a resident of Palash Para.

“The roads go underwater and walking with children at night becomes a dangerous adventure," he said.

From Gulshan Para, Mustafizur Rahman Konok shared a similar account.

“The drains haven’t been cleaned in three years. The outlets are blocked and rainwater submerges the whole area,” he said.

In Banani Para, Akhtar Hossain voiced his frustration, “We’ve filed complaints many times. The councillor shows up, takes photos, gives assurances, but nothing changes. Drain water even enters our homes during the rainy season.”

Municipal officials, however, say they are taking steps to address the crisis.

Md Anisuzzaman, Sub-Assistant Engineer (Civil) of Chuadanga Municipality, said four development projects are now underway.

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These include Tk 65 lakh for Gulshan Para, Tk 1.32 crore for Cinema Hall Para and Kathpatti, and Tk 1.17 crore for the area near the Jail premises, totalling over Tk 4.58 crore.

“We’ve started widening and reconstructing drains to reduce waterlogging,” he said, adding, “Work progress is being regularly monitored.”

Municipal Executive Officer SM Rezaul Karim said contractors have been told to avoid actions that might worsen public suffering.

“The administration is also closely following up on the projects,” he said.

But many locals remain sceptical. They argue that the municipality’s core problems stem from poor planning and inadequate maintenance, with uncoordinated development, weak waste management, and neglected drain cleaning allowing flooding to persist year after year.

What they want, they say, is more than just short-term fixes. Residents are demanding a comprehensive action plan – one that includes regular cleaning of drains in every ward, improved waste disposal and a coordinated roadmap to eliminate waterlogging for good.

Covering 37.39 square kilometres, Chuadanga Municipality began its journey as a third-class municipality on January 20, 1972. It was upgraded to second class in 1984 and to first class on January 19, 1995.

Today, it comprises nine wards and for thousands of its residents, the hope is that the “first-class” status will one day reflect their living conditions, not just an administrative title.