Severe 32-Hour Dhaka-Chittagong Highway Traffic Triggers Official Alarm
A severe 32-hour traffic congestion struck the Dhaka-Chittagong highway from Chandina to Narayanganj's Ashariarchar, prompting high-level administrative meetings. Lawmakers and officials addressed the massive public suffering and coordination failures during the crisis.
A severe traffic congestion paralyzed a major transportation artery on August 30, creating intense gridlock along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Specifically, the massive tailback stretched continuously from Chandina all the way to Ashariarchar in Narayanganj, causing widespread disruption for commuters and transport operators alike.
According to verified reports, this severe traffic crisis persisted for an unprecedented 32 hours starting from the previous Friday night. The prolonged immobilization of vehicles on the critical highway route sparked serious concerns regarding administrative coordination and emergency response capabilities during the busy period.
In response to the extreme public suffering and congestion, National Parliament Whip A B M Ashraf Uddin Nizans convened a virtual Zoom meeting. The high-level discussion brought together key local officials, including the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police from Comilla and Narayanganj, the Superintendent of Police for the Highway Police, and Executive Engineers from the Roads and Highways Department.
During the unfolding crisis, Member of Parliament for the Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj) constituency, Shahadat Hossain Selim—who previously served as the chairman of Bangladesh LDP—voiced strong criticisms regarding the situation. Expressing deep frustration over the ordeal witnessed by the public, he detailed his unsuccessful attempts to resolve the bottlenecks.
Highlighting the gravity of the coordination failures, Shahadat Hossain Selim stated: 'I am clearly feeling that an influential part of the administration has become desperate to prove this government a failure. If this irresponsible circle is not identified and stern action is taken right now, a deep darkness awaits us ahead.' He further emphasized that taking exemplary punitive measures against the relevant officials for the crime of generating public suffering and extreme irresponsibility is now a demand of the time.
Explaining his decision to voice his concerns publicly, Shahadat Hossain Selim added: 'I am feeling distressed seeing the suffering of the people. I spoke repeatedly with the concerned persons for quick implementation of the work. But nothing is working. Finally, out of the distress of my mind, I gave that status on social media.'
