Rangamati, Apr 18 (V7N)— Hundreds of residents from Longadu and Naniarchar upazilas staged a human chain on Saturday demanding the speedy completion of a long-delayed road project linking the two areas.  

Speakers said the 27-kilometer road between Naniarchar town and Longadu has been under construction for years, but progress remains slow, leaving locals in daily distress. Students, patients, and traders are among those most affected.  

They noted that the livelihoods of nearly 196,695 people in Baghaichhari and Longadu upazilas depend on the road. Currently, travel to Rangamati town relies mainly on launch services, which are suspended in the dry season, forcing residents to take a long detour via Khagrachhari at high cost and inconvenience.  

Protesters highlighted partial progress: about 5 km of carpeting and 1 km of brick soling completed on the Naniarchar side, and 4 km of carpeting plus 4 km of brick soling on the Longadu side. In total, 14 km is partially usable, while the remaining 13 km is still impassable.  

They warned that miscreants have damaged at least five sections of the completed road and blocked parts with felled trees, raising safety concerns.  

Speakers demanded the immediate construction of the remaining stretch from Rangapara culvert in Naniarchar to Boradam steel bridge in Longadu, along with at least four small culverts or pipes to ensure year-round traffic flow.  

Protesters cautioned that if the work is not completed soon, tougher programs will follow. They urged authorities to finish the project quickly, ensure security, and relieve the long-standing suffering of residents.  

END/AMR/RH