The Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway, one of the busiest roads in the country, witnesses accidents almost daily. With Cox’s Bazar emerging as the country’s top tourist destination and a growing commercial hub, traffic pressure on this 158-kilometre stretch is intensifying daily. Thousands of passengers, tourists, and freight vehicles are often stuck in long tailbacks for hours. In light of these concerns, locals in Ramu have staged a human chain demanding that the highway be upgraded to six lanes.
The demonstration, organized by Sammilito Nagorik Parishad–Ramu, took place on Tuesday (May 20) from 12 PM to 1 PM at the Bypass Football Square along the Chittagong–Cox’s Bazar highway in Ramu upazila.
Over fifty social and cultural organizations from Ramu and students from various educational institutions participated in the protest.
Speakers at the event highlighted that most parts of the highway are only 18 to 34 feet wide. Sharp turns and vehicles unexpectedly entering the highway from connecting roads have created hazardous conditions.
Salt-laden trucks often travel with open loads, raising the risk of accidents. They warned that accidents and traffic congestion will worsen significantly unless the highway is upgraded to six lanes without delay.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
