The Sitakunda section of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway faces safety concerns linked to design weaknesses, poor maintenance and illegal U-turns, according to a report published on August 7, 2026. The Namar Bazar underpass, built nearly 16 years ago under the four-lane development project, continues to cause public hardship through monsoon waterlogging and obstacles to emergency vehicles.

The Sitakunda bypass road and Namar Bazar underpass were built in 2010 under package 9 of the project by Chinese contractor Sinohydro Corporation. However, the relevant offices reportedly cannot locate the project’s original designs, technical specifications and cost documents. Fire Service assistant director Anwar Hossain said the low underpass would prevent specialised heavy rescue vehicles from passing during a major incident, potentially delaying rescue work.

More than a hundred illegal crossing points have reportedly been created by cutting or moving concrete highway dividers in several areas. Road Safety Foundation chairman Md Saidur Rahman called for planned U-turns, service roads and safe crossings. Roads and Highways Department officials said they were reviewing the missing documents and working on possible technical solutions, including measures to ensure emergency vehicles can travel without obstruction.