Ashuganj–Nabinagar regional highway project in Brahmanbaria remains stalled by land acquisition disputes and administrative bottlenecks with its original three-year deadline now stretched to seven.
The 20-kilometre roadway was initially approved at Tk421.44 crore and now revised to Tk604.85 crore. The project was launched on 1 July 2018 with a completion target for June 2021.
The deadline has been extended twice, and from 1 July this year, a third extension of two additional years has been granted.
According to the Roads and Highways Department, 78 per cent of the project has been completed by September 2025.
Key progress includes two major bridges over the Titas and Pagla rivers, six additional bridges, 13 culverts, and nine kilometres of earthwork with sub-base installation.
The remaining works are largely halted due to ongoing land acquisition complications.
Local landowners and farmers have accused contractors and road officials of forcibly dumping sand and continuing construction without paying acquisition compensation or marking boundaries.
“Landowners should be paid before construction begins, but the rule has been ignored. Work is being carried out in Char Chartala, Araishidha and Jatrapur mouzas,” said residents Shamim Ahmed and Mobarak Hossain from Araishidha.
Farhad Sarkar of Char Chartala alleged that dredgers were deployed to fill land without payment or demarcation, claiming local contractors acted with administrative backing.
Farmers filed a written complaint at the Roads and Highways office in May 2025, demanding the work be halted until compensation is paid.
“Six months have passed, but no action has been taken,” they said.
District administration officials say land acquisition is tied to eight legal cases, of which only two have been resolved. The remaining six are expected to take another two to three months.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Jesmin Sultana said notices under Section 7 would be issued after hearing objections, followed by Section 8 notifications before payments are released.
“Two cases are settled, six are pending. Compensation may take another two to three months,” she said.
Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Md Zahidul Islam confirmed that 53.17 acres of land began acquisition processes in the 2022–23 fiscal year, but delays are now the biggest barrier.
“Land acquisition is ongoing, not complete. This has become the core challenge. The project timeline has been extended until 30 June 2027, and we are hopeful the work can be completed within the revised schedule,” he said.
