Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has installed red flags as warning signals at accident-prone bends on the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar highway to ensure safer travel for homebound passengers.
The red flags have been placed in rows on both sides of the nine most dangerous bends of this important highway in Chattogram so that drivers can spot the hazardous turns from a distance and remain cautious.
The initiative was carried out on Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm under the supervision of the BRTA Chattogram divisional office.
According to BRTA sources, a special team carried out the safety measure under the overall supervision of Uthuinou Chowdhury, Assistant Director (Engineering) of the Chattogram District Circle. A total of 10 red flags—five on each side—have been installed at every bend to alert drivers in advance.
According to BRTA’s list, the bends considered highly accident-prone include the curve near the wildlife sanctuary at the end of Chunati in Lohagara upazila, the Jangalia bend between Lohagara and Chunati, the bends before and after Deputy Bazar in Chunati, the bend near Chunati Forest Office, the Rajaghata bend in Lohagara, the bend near Mitha Dighi in Satkania, the bend near Khanhat Pukur in Chandanaish, and the bend near Pairul Nimtola Mazar in Patiya.
Officials said the number of vehicles on this highway increases several times during Eid as people travel to their hometowns. Therefore, the red flags have been installed as an early precaution to help reduce the risk of accidents. They also noted that awareness activities will be conducted in different areas to ensure a safer Eid journey.
Local sources said a deadly road accident occurred at the Jangalia bend in Lohagara on the morning of Eid-ul-Fitr last year, leaving several people dead. The incident renewed concerns about the dangerous bends along the highway.
Several transport drivers traveling along the highway on Sunday night said that the bends often appear suddenly, especially at night or during foggy conditions. Previously, the lack of warning signs increased the risk of accidents. However, they believe the new measures may help reduce the danger to some extent.
Concerned stakeholders said that in addition to red flags, permanent signboards, speed limit indicators, reflectors, and adequate lighting should be installed at the risky bends. They also emphasized the need for regular monitoring to prevent over speeding.
