Caught in a prolonged traffic jam while heading to inspect the dilapidated condition of the Dhaka–Sylhet Highway, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan resorted to a motorcycle to reach the site on Tuesday afternoon.

The adviser arrived in Bhairab earlier in the day by the Mahanagar Provati Express from Dhaka. From there, he travelled by road to Ashuganj and set out for the Bishwaroad intersection around 10:15 am. 

However, his motorcade became trapped in severe congestion at Sohagpur, Sonarampur and Baertil in Sarail upazila, delaying his journey by over three hours.

Determined to reach his destination, Fouzul Kabir Khan abandoned his car and continued the remaining stretch on a motorcycle, finally arriving at Bishwaroad around 1 pm. He spent some time inspecting different parts of the Brahmanbaria section of the highway.

Speaking to journalists following the visit, the adviser blamed the persistent gridlock on the Dhaka–Sylhet route primarily on the negligence of the traffic division. 

The main cause of the traffic jam is the lack of efficiency in traffic management. I will discuss the issue with the Home Affairs Adviser to ensure effective measures are taken,” he said.

The adviser said senior engineers and officials of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry have been instructed to temporarily relocate their duties from Dhaka to Bishwaroad, where a field office will operate until the situation improves. 

Any official found neglecting this directive or their responsibilities will face immediate suspension, he warned.

Highlighting future plans to ease congestion, the adviser said, “A flyover project has been planned to tackle the traffic problem in the Bishwaroad area. Necessary funding will be provided, and the concerned project officials have been directed to finalise the design.”

Responding to questions from reporters, Fouzul Kabir Khan acknowledged that prolonged traffic congestion on major highways has forced many passengers to rely on rail transport, creating additional strain on the railway system. “We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible,” he added.

During his visit, the adviser was accompanied by Brahmanbaria Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Didarul Alam, Superintendent of Police Ehteshamul Haque, and senior officials of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.

The Dhaka–Sylhet Highway’s Ashuganj–Akhura section, stretching 51 kilometres, was approved as a development project in 2017. 

The Indian construction firm Afcons Infrastructure Limited began work in 2020 under three separate packages. However, progress has repeatedly stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sand shortages, and political unrest.

Although the project was initially scheduled for completion by 31 July 2025, its tenure has recently been extended by another year, along with an additional expenditure of Tk 163 crore.