Dhaka, May 1 -- In Narayanganj, a city meant to be pedestrian-friendly, footpaths have become a daily source of frustration due to ongoing drain construction, rampant encroachment, and poor management.

What were once walkways for public convenience have now been overtaken by hawkers, illegally parked motorcycles, and long-stalled development work. The result: pedestrians are forced to navigate a hazardous, obstacle-strewn environment.

A visit to key city areas on Tuesday-spanning from Chashara to Gate No. 2 on Bangabandhu Road and Amlapara Mor to Gate No. 1 on Sirajuddowla Road-revealed a grim reality. On Bangabandhu Road, parts of the footpath have been torn apart for drainage work, with construction debris and garbage heaped along the...