A massive garbage dump along the Cumilla-Sylhet highway, adjacent to the bustling Companiganj Bazar in Muradnagar Upazila, has turned into a serious public health hazard.
Piled high with rotting vegetables, discarded polythene, institutional waste and stagnant water, the site has become an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Following recent rains, the area has turned into a swamp of filth, leaving locals deeply concerned about a potential outbreak of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
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Pedestrians and nearby residents have been enduring an unbearable stench and relentless mosquito infestation.
Many have called for urgent intervention from the authorities to prevent the situation from worsening.
Abul Kashem Khan, president of the Companiganj Bazar Chemist and Druggist Association, said the conditions had made it nearly impossible to run his business properly.
“It has become difficult to sit in my pharmacy due to the stench and filth next to the market. Patients and customers get annoyed and leave. Considering the health risks and the rising dengue cases, a prompt cleaning campaign is essential," he said.
Local resident Kuhinur Begum expressed similar frustration.
“It’s hard to breathe because of the stench. After sunset, it’s impossible to go outside due to the mosquito invasion. Water stays stagnant here for weeks. If this continues, it will turn into a major health crisis,” she said.
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Traders at the market blamed the long-standing negligence of the market committee, saying waste management had completely collapsed. With no designated dumping zones, heaps of rubbish have spread across the market area and onto parts of the highway.
Chandan Banik, former convener of the Greater Companiganj Bazar Banik Samiti, said the worsening situation was tarnishing the market’s reputation.
“Traders and buyers are suffering. There must be a proper waste disposal site. A joint initiative by the market committee and the administration could solve this,” he suggested.
Dr Sirajul Islam Manik, Muradnagar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, described the dengue situation as “already alarming”.
He explained that garbage piles and stagnant water serve as primary breeding grounds for mosquitoes. “Without cleanliness in and around the market, infection rates will continue to rise,” he warned.
Mansur Alam, deputy assistant public health engineer in Muradnagar, said that dumping waste in open spaces like this poses serious risks to both public health and the environment.
“Designated waste disposal sites and regular cleaning drives are essential to overcome this problem,” he added.
Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdur Rahman acknowledged the problem, noting that waste management is particularly challenging in areas without a municipality.
“We are aware of the situation. Immediate steps will be taken to ensure a healthier environment around the market,” he said.
He said the Department of Public Health Engineering and the Union Parishad have already been instructed to strengthen cleaning efforts.
Locals are now demanding urgent waste removal, the establishment of designated dumping points and regular sanitation drives.
They believe swift and coordinated action from the administration could quickly restore cleanliness, safety and livability to this vital commercial hub.