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Dhaka-Ctg Highway Becomes Deadlier, 152 Lives Lost in One Year
The Dhaka-Chattogram highway, vital for the country’s trade and commerce, has become increasingly dangerous, with 152 fatalities and 137 injuries recorded in 171 road accidents between January and December last year.
Spanning 163.7 kilometers from Alongkar in Chattogram to Sayedabad in Dhaka, this busy route remains inadequately equipped with safety measures to prevent accidents.
Khairul Alam, Additional Deputy Inspector General of Cumilla Highway Range Highway Police, told UNB that 138 cases were filed in connection with these accidents during the same period. Additionally, 88 complaints were made about vehicles on the highway, with final reports filed for 50 of them.
Reckless driving is cited as the leading cause of these accidents, with factors such as lane violations, dangerous overtaking, and speeding contributing to the high number of crashes. The highway's unplanned U-turn at Padua Bazar has become particularly notorious for fatal accidents.
In addition to managing road safety, highway police also face challenges with smuggling and drug trafficking. In 2023, law enforcement seized 235,600 kg of cannabis, worth Tk 1.88 million, and 20 bottles of Indian Phensedyl valued at Tk 6,000. They also confiscated 2,045 CNG-run autorickshaws, 1,356 battery-operated autorickshaws, 1,634 rickshaws, and 21 other illegal vehicles.
To improve efficiency, several measures have been introduced. Previously, traffic fines could only be paid via the United Commercial Bank’s mobile service, Upay. Now, fines can be paid instantly through 21 mobile banking services, including bKash and Rocket, and various bank cards.
Economic Importance of the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway
This highway is a critical economic artery, connecting Dhaka with Chattogram, the country’s largest port and commercial hub. It is essential for transporting goods in industries such as garments, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, which depend heavily on Chattogram Port for exports and imports.
Approximately 80% of Bangladesh’s international trade passes through this route, making its safety crucial for the nation’s continued economic growth. However, without urgent improvements in road safety, both the highway’s risk to lives and the country’s economic stability could be in jeopardy, warn locals and businesspeople.