Dhaka-Sylhet Highway Project Target Completion

At a glance

• Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament on September 9 that the Dhaka-Sylhet Highway project is expected to open by mid-2029.
• Land acquisition increased from 18% to 65% in the last six months and is expected to reach 100% within two months.
• Physical implementation rose from about 13% to over 38%.
• Construction is underway across all 13 project packages, and the first 7 kilometres from Sylhet are being repaired following accidents and concerns about road conditions.

Context

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament on September 9 that progress has accelerated significantly over the past six months. Land acquisition has reached 65%, while physical implementation has crossed 38%. Utility shifting has also advanced, with work now underway under all 13 packages. The government expects land acquisition to be completed within the next two months and the entire project to be finished by mid-2029.

Why It Matters

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam acknowledged that several sections of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway are in poor condition, and many accidents have occurred. A faster, better-developed route may improve movement between the capital and northeastern Bangladesh while supporting trade, travel and regional connectivity. Repairs to the first seven kilometres from Sylhet have already begun. But the existing highway remains an immediate concern.

What We Think

The latest figures, such as raising land acquisition from 18% to 65% and physical work from 13% to 38% in six months, are substantial, but it may be difficult to complete the remaining work within the proposed timeline at this pace. Another immediate issue is safety. A highway project aimed at improving long-term connectivity does little for current travellers if existing sections remain hazardous.