Jungle Salimpur, a remote hilly area in the Sitakunda Upazila of Chattogram, was once a name that struck fear into the hearts of ordinary people.
Long notorious as a “state within a state,” this vast terrain remained under the control of terrorist groups for years. Now, this isolated region is moving towards a new identity as the Bangladesh Army steps in to bring the light of development to a land previously defined by fear.
Under the supervision of the Army’s 34 Engineer Construction Brigade, work on a crucial road commenced on the afternoon of 4 June.
In the initial phase, construction is progressing rapidly on a 2,700-metre-long road stretching from Alinagar School to No 3 Bazar on the Bhatiari-Hathazari Link Road. The development of communication links in this long-isolated area has sparked significant hope among residents.
From criminal stronghold to state control
According to sources from the local administration and law enforcement agencies, the 3,100-acre expanse of Jungle Salimpur was under the long-term control of armed criminal syndicates.
Terrorist groups, such as the Yasin and Rokon forces, held the area’s residents hostage through their dominance. Even law enforcement members faced various obstacles while attempting operations there; notably, a Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) official lost his life in the area in the past.
The tide began to turn on 31 May, when Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed visited Jungle Salimpur and declared the area terror-free. Following a request from the administration, the Army took over the responsibility of implementing this vital project.
Officials believe that this road construction is not merely an improvement of the communication system, but a major step towards bringing the entire area back into the mainstream of state control and development.
Technical scope and engineering strategy
The project is being implemented by the Army’s 26 Engineer Construction Battalion (26 ECB) using the Direct Procurement Method (DPM), with funding provided by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
Project officials said this is part of a long-term plan, with intentions to construct approximately 10 kilometres of roads across the entire area in the future.
Lt Col Md Kamrul Al Masud, Commanding Officer of 26 ECB, noted that road widening and earth-cutting work are currently underway starting from Alinagar School.
The road will be 18 feet wide. Considering the geographical reality of the hilly terrain, the project includes the construction of at least three large bridges and a necessary number of culverts. Additionally, there are plans for drainage systems and retaining walls to prevent landslides.
Lt Col Masud explained that although working in hilly areas during the monsoon is extremely challenging, the Army is employing specific strategies.
By cutting the soil and forming the road base during the first monsoon, the rainwater allows the soil to settle naturally, making the road more durable in the long run.
Consequently, work is not being halted entirely during the rains. Instead, it continues at full scale whenever the weather is favourable.
Socio-economic impact and security
The entire project is expected to take approximately six to seven months to complete. Security remains a top priority, with the Army, Police, RAB, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) working in coordination to ensure safety in the area.
A “close protection” system has been established for the workers and officials engaged in the construction.
Locals believe the road will bring a transformative change to the lives of people in Jungle Salimpur. Currently, the population suffers due to a lack of proper communication, leaving them lagging in education, healthcare, and commerce.
Once the new road is operational, residents of Alinagar will have easy access to the Bhatiari Link Road, the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, and the Hathazari Road. Furthermore, increased patrolling and surveillance by law enforcement will play a vital role in crime prevention.
Meanwhile, the administration has offered assurances that no evictions will take place without the rehabilitation of genuine residents.
The government maintains a zero-tolerance policy against terrorists and illegal occupants. After years of fear and uncertainty, Jungle Salimpur is now dreaming of change, with locals expecting the Army’s initiative to lead the area into a new chapter of development, security, and normalcy.
