Looks are more than often deceiving, and this post office in Chattogram is proof of that.

In an era when letters have become almost obsolete, a 40-year-old post office -- that too a structure made of mud -- stands beside the Chattogram-Anwara-Banshkhali Highway, still functional.

The Taylardwip Post Office, brandishing a small red post box on its wall, is a 50-feet long and 15-feet wide mud-made structure with a tin-shed ceiling and walls made of clay and rice husk.

While it looks like an age-old abandoned structure, waiting to be dissolved with time, it is the only way to receive official and registered letters for residents living within a six-mile radius.

According to Amir Hossain, Taylardwip Post Office's extra departmental agent, it was built on land owned by the family members of former MP Sarwar Zamal Nizam.

"Since our childhood, we have borne witness to the mud-made structure, as our residence was nearby," said the 55-year-old.

Perhaps it's this history that makes Amir especially dedicated to the structure's maintenance. Because regardless of the air of nostalgia attached to it, the post office has its woes as well.

"During last monsoon, water started leaking from the ceiling. There is no maintenance bill centrally allocated for the office. I tried to repair the wall on my own multiple times," said Amir.

Photo: Rajib Raihan

"I am given only an additional Tk 15 for carrying official cost," said Amir, adding that he also bears the electric bill of the office from his own pocket.

He joined as the EDA in 2017. Every morning, the runner brings letters from the Patiya Post office, which are later registered and distributed by office assistant Md Monir.

This correspondent found from the register that a total of 61 letters were received and delivered in December 2021.

Amir said post officials had attempted to build a modern structure, but the initiative did not see light due to a lack of land.

Contacted, Muhammad Abdullah, deputy postmaster general of Chattogram, said he had no knowledge of such an establishment.

"I have noted down the issue. Unfortunately, I am yet to visit the office. I will see to it personally," he said.