Protesters block Ctg-Cox’s Bazar highway for 3hrs demanding six-lane upgrade

Protesters demanding the expansion of the Chattogram–Cox's Bazar highway to six lanes blocked several points of the route for around three hours today (30 November).

Under the banner of the "Chattogram–Cox's Bazar Highway Development Movement," residents of Lohagara and Satkania in Chattogram and Chakaria in Cox's Bazar began occupying the highway as part of a pre-announced programme.

Protesters used ropes to cordon off both sides of Matamuhuri Bridge in Chakaria, simultaneously holding a procession and protest featuring banners and festoons. 

Students marched back and forth across the bridge, chanting slogans, effectively halting movement of all vehicles except for ambulances. 

The blockade, organised in response to a series of fatal accidents, caused significant suffering and a severe traffic jam stretching for miles on both sides of the highway.

To alleviate public suffering and lift the blockade, local police and the upazila administration swiftly arrived at the scene. They engaged with the demonstrators, heard their demands, and appealed for the immediate removal of the blockade.

Following negotiations, the protesters finally suspended their protest at 1pm after getting firm assurance of action from the administration.

Reason for the protest

Ibrahim Faruk Siddiqui, chief coordinator of the organisation, stated that the demand for upgrading the highway to a 6-lane road has been a long-standing issue following repeated loss of life from accidents.

"A series of programmes, including human chains, have been held regarding this, but nothing visible has materialised. Therefore, we were forced to block the road," said Siddiqui. 

He confirmed that the movement was suspended only after the administration guaranteed progress within seven days. 

He warned that if the demand is not met, they will resume their protests.

Public suffering and support

The blockade led to immense difficulties for passengers, including tourists, with many setting off on foot to bypass the standstill. Despite the inconvenience, many expressed solidarity with the protest, emphasising the need for a swift 6-lane upgrade.

Rafiq Ahmed, a resident of Khurushkul, Cox's Bazar, highlighted the daily risk, saying, "Every day, people travel on this road for various reasons, and I often hear about 2-3 accidents. We leave our homes with our lives on this highway. There is no guarantee that we will return home again. This is why such a demand is justified."

Yasin Arafat of Eidgaon pointed out a key hazard, "It is doubtful whether there are as many three-wheelers on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar highway as there are on any other highway in Bangladesh. These three-wheelers are causing more accidents. The administration is unable to remove them from the highway."