Shahadat Hossain Sazzad, Rouzan (Chattogram)
Illegal parking and vehicle repairs have long been going on on both sides of the four-lane Chattogram-Rangamati highway in Rouzan, reducing usable road space, causing traffic congestion and increasing accident risks.
There are allegations that Rouzan Highway Police have failed to take effective measures to stop the practice.
During a recent visit, rows of trucks, buses and CNG-run auto-rickshaws were found parked at different points from Jalilnagar bus stand to Munshirghata. In some places, vehicles were being repaired on the highway.
Local people alleged that illegal parking continues as regular payments are collected from parked vehicles. They also alleged that some highway police members collect monthly payments from different types of vehicles. Although vehicles remain parked for days, no effective action is visible, they said.
The situation is particularly dangerous because parked vehicles leave little space for traffic, forcing pedestrians to use the main road.
On September 6, Sunday, former UP member Nurul Islam Titu, 55, was killed after being crushed under the wheels of a brick-laden truck while crossing the highway.
Rouzan municipality Juba Dal president Ariful Islam said many unfit vehicles and vehicles without proper papers were operating on the highway.
“Highway police are allowing these vehicles to operate. At the same time, random parking is increasing the risk of accidents,” he said, calling for strict action against unfit and undocumented vehicles, illegal parking and alleged monthly payments.
Mohammad Ibrahim Company, president of the Rouzan Truck and Mini Truck Owners’ Association, said owners and drivers had been instructed not to park vehicles on the road.
Labour leader Mohammad Rafiq said floating shops had occupied designated parking areas for CNGs and trucks, forcing vehicles onto the road. “However, the administration should look into how unfit trucks are operating on the highway,” he said.
Mohammad Imran Hossain Hira, organising secretary of the Chattogram-Rangamati Motor Owners’ Association, said drivers and workers had also been warned not to park buses on the highway.
Rouzan Highway Police Station OC Mohammad Ashraf Uddin said a team would be sent to take action against illegal parking and vehicles kept on the highway.
“Necessary legal action will be taken to restore discipline on the road,” he said, adding that regular cases were being filed against unfit vehicles. #EK
