Construction work on a vital road linking Khutakhali in Chakaria Upazila with Eidgor in Ramu has come to a sudden halt following objections from the Forest Department, raising fears of prolonged hardship for nearly two lakh residents across five upazilas in Cox’s Bazar and adjoining Bandarban.
The suspension has cast uncertainty over a project that had already incurred over Tk19 crore in expenditure across two packages. Implemented under the South Chattogram Regional Development Project funded by JICA, the 11-kilometre road was scheduled for completion by 26 February 2027.
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Cox’s Bazar, construction began on 26 February 2025. Of the total stretch, around six kilometres—from Khutakhali Bazar to Madhushia and from Eidgor to Kalapara—has already been completed. However, the remaining five-kilometre segment passing through Madhushia forest has now become the point of contention.
Forest objections trigger deadlock
LGED officials sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Forest Department to proceed with the remaining section. However, Cox’s Bazar North Forest Division objected, alleging that the project involves construction through a reserved forest area. The department subsequently wrote to senior authorities, effectively stalling progress and creating an impasse between the two agencies.
The Forest Department has also raised concerns that the Madhushia forest is part of an elephant corridor, warning that road construction could disrupt wildlife movement and heighten human–elephant conflict risks.
On the ground: alternative routes and alleged illegal activity
A field visit on 1 July revealed that the partially constructed road already connects Eidgor in Ramu, Fasiakhali in Lama, Baishari in Naikhongchhari and Khutakhali in Chakaria. With the central section blocked, locals are forced to take a detour of nearly 20 kilometres to cover a distance of just five kilometres.
Observers also noted ongoing sand extraction activities within the disputed forest area, despite red flags erected by the Forest Department. In some places, dump trucks were seen using alternative routes, while other paths appeared to have been created through cleared forest patches.
Local residents alleged that some Forest Department officials were involved in irregularities related to these activities, though no official confirmation was available.
Disputed claims over forest coverage
Residents and local stakeholders argue that the Forest Department’s claim of a five-kilometre reserved forest stretch is exaggerated. They maintain that dense garjan forest exists only in a 500–700 metre zone, while the rest comprises old roads, open land and agricultural fields.
They also insist the route is not new, describing it as a historical British-era communication corridor with a width of 30–40 metres.
Infrastructure already in place
The road currently includes one bridge and three culverts, which have remained unused for long periods and are now overgrown. Project officials also confirmed plans for a further 180-metre bridge at Horikhola in Khutakhali.
Hopes of transformation for local communities
Residents across Chakaria, Ramu, Lama and Naikhongchhari believe the road would significantly transform regional connectivity, reduce transport costs and improve access to markets and essential services.
Khutakhali businessman Mohammad Ali Liton said the project would benefit hundreds of thousands of people, adding that locals had voluntarily provided land for the road.
“This is a British-era road. There is already a bridge and three culverts in place. The claim that there is five kilometres of dense forest is completely false. Even where forest exists, there is already a wide passage, so no trees will need to be cut,” he said.
Farmer Kamal Uddin said poor connectivity has severely affected agricultural productivity. “Without a proper road, I cannot fully cultivate my 15 kani of land. If the road is built, production will increase and transport time will be reduced,” he said, adding that fear of robbery and abduction also discourages travel.
Residents of Fasiakhali highlighted the lack of medical access, particularly during the monsoon, while others pointed to educational setbacks and limited opportunities due to isolation.
Public protest and demand for intervention
In protest against the stalled construction, locals held a human chain demanding immediate resumption of work on the Khutakhali–Kalapara–Eidgor road.
Speakers urged intervention from local MP and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, accusing the Forest Department of unnecessary obstruction.
Agencies at odds
The dispute has created a clear divide between the Forest Department and LGED. While the Forest Department stresses the ecological importance of the area as an elephant corridor and protected forest zone, LGED officials and locals argue the road is essential for regional development and public welfare.
LGED engineers maintain that around 50–70 per cent of the project has already been completed across both ends, and that no forest land exists in the completed sections.
Chakaria Upazila LGED Assistant Engineer Faridul Alam said the remaining works could not proceed due to lack of clearance. “In the completed sections, there is no forest land—only markets, settlements and agricultural fields. Moreover, although the project requires a 20-metre corridor, there is already a 30–40 metre-wide road exists,” he said.
He added that road construction would not require tree felling and would not negatively impact wildlife movement.
