Hundreds of local residents blocked the road in Keranihat area of Satkania on Sunday morning demanding the upgrading of the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway to 6 lanes. The blockade, which began at 9 am, brought all types of traffic on the highway to a standstill.
The protesters alleged that the highway has long been a ‘death trap’. Accidents and fatalities occur almost every day. Despite repeated demands, the authorities have not taken any visible initiative to widen the road.
According to residents, this is one of the busiest roads in the country and a major route for important activities including the economy, tourism and Rohingya relief, but most of its sections are unusually narrow, sloping or winding in places. At night, the road becomes even more slippery with salt trucks moving, increasing the risk of accidents.
Although a human chain and memorandum were previously signed last April with the same demand, locals have taken to the streets again due to the lack of action.