Road blockade lifted after three hours on Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway

Protesters demanding the expansion of the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway into six lanes blocked several sections of the route from Sunday morning in Lohagara, Satkania and Chakaria. The blockade began at 9am in Lohagara–Satkania and at 10am in Chakaria, causing long tailbacks that troubled tourists and passengers heading towards Cox’s Bazar.

Locals complained that the two-lane highway remains heavily congested due to constant traffic pressure and frequent accidents caused by its narrow width. Around 9:30am, many were seen chanting slogans at Amirabad Station in Lohagara, pressing for a six-lane road.

Lohagara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam told the media that demonstrators withdrew the blockade at noon following assurances from the administration. Satkania UNO Khondkar Mahmudul Hasan stated that protesters at Keranihat also left after learning that the expansion process was ongoing and awaiting tender procedures.

In Chakaria, demonstrators gathered near the Matamuhuri Bridge with banners, initially refusing to leave without a formal announcement. However, they eventually stepped aside around 12:45pm after receiving administrative assurances. UNO Mohammad Atikur Rahman said that feasibility studies for six-lane expansion had been completed and that work on preparing the Development Project Proposal was underway—information that was conveyed to the protesters.

Khaborwala/TSN