While the work to expand the important highway into four lanes is in slow progress, the apparel exporters also demanded upgrading it to six lanes to make it time-befitting.

 

The requirements demand a six-lane Dhaka-Chittagong highway, but the government is elevating it to four lanes from two, said Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

 

Mohiuddin spoke after a meeting with Communications Minister Obaidul Quader at his secretariat office in the capital.

 

"The delay in construction affects cargo movement from Dhaka to the port city,” he said.

 

“We want the government to complete the construction of this important highway as soon as possible as the exporters need constant communication with the port city," he added.

 

He also urged the minister to set up foot over bridges in industrial areas like Savar, Ashulia, Gazipur-Barabaria to prevent frequent road accidents of garment workers.

 

"I also urged the minister to upgrade Tongi-Mymensingh highway and Ashulia-Baipail roads to four lanes to reduce traffic congestion in those industrial areas.”

 

It is needed to evacuate illegal structures from both sides of the roads in Zirabo and Zamgorah areas in Savar to reduce traffic congestion, as the areas have hundreds of garment factories.

 

The minister assured the garment makers of improving the communication system through different measures.