Faridpur, July 14 -- For thousands of people who travel the Faridpur-Barishal Highway every day, the road has long been a lifeline, linking communities, supporting local trade and making travel easier across southern Bangladesh.

But over the past week, relentless monsoon rainfall has turned a critical 30-kilometre stretch from Faridpur town to the Bhanga intersection into a hazardous, crater-ridden obstacle course.

The scene is now one of disruption and distress. Bitumen and carpeting have given way in numerous areas and gaping potholes - some as deep as five inches - have transformed the highway into a patchwork of treacherous puddles and jagged edges.

For passengers, transport workers and traders, the once-routine journey has become ...