C T Online Desk: Local residents of Keranihat in Satkania blocked the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway on Sunday morning, demanding that the road be upgraded to six lanes.
The blockade began at around 9am, when hundreds of people took position on the highway, bringing all vehicular movement to a halt.
Protesters alleged that the highway has turned into a “death trap”, with accidents occurring almost every day at different points along the route, leaving many dead or injured. They claimed that despite repeatedly raising concerns and appeals, no effective steps have been taken. Left with no alternative, they said they were compelled to resort to such a strict programme.
The demonstrators said that earlier, on 6 April, they formed a human chain in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Adviser pressing the same demand. A second memorandum was submitted on 11 April to Dr Muhammad Faizul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Interim Government’s Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. However, as no visible progress has been made over the months, they felt forced to take to the streets again.
They stressed that the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway is not only crucial for local commuters but also for the country’s economy, tourism and Rohingya relief operations. Thousands of people travel this route every day. Yet large sections of one of the busiest highways in the country remain narrow, with certain stretches being sloped or curved, posing a constant risk of major accidents.
The protesters added that the danger intensifies at night, particularly when salt-laden trucks pass through, making the road slippery and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
