Protests demanding the upgrade of the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway to six lanes began on Sunday morning in Lohagara and Satkania of Chattogram, and Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar. Various groups of people joined the pre-announced programme under the banner of “Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar Highway Development Movement”.
Around 9:30 am at Amirabad Station in Lohagara, locals were seen chanting slogans while occupying the highway. This resulted in long traffic congestion on both sides. Eyewitnesses said the blockade started at 9 am in Lohagara and continued simultaneously in Satkania’s Keranihat.
In Chakaria’s Matamuhuri Bridge area, the blockade began at 10 am. Demonstrators stood with banners and festoons, stating they would not move until authorities confirmed their demands, despite police requests.
Ibrahim Faruk Siddiqui, one of the participants, said their programme would continue until 4 pm, adding that ambulances, fire service vehicles, airport-bound cars, examinees and emergency government services were exempted from the blockade.
Tamim Mirza, an organiser of the movement, told the media that despite submitting memorandums and holding human chains, the government had not given any clear announcement, prompting the blockade.
Officer-in-Charge Salauddin Chowdhury of Dohazari Highway Police Station said the matter had been reported to higher authorities and actions would follow their instructions.
Khaborwala/TSN
