A human chain was held in Patuakhali on Wednesday demanding the upgrading of Bhanga-Kuakata highway into a six-lane road to improve connectivity and support the region's economic growth.
The hour-long programme was held in the morning on the road adjacent to the Patuakhali Bus Terminal.
Members of the Patuakhali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the District Bus and Minibus Owners' Association, the Bus and Minibus Workers' Union, and representatives of various social, cultural and professional organisations took part in the demonstration.
Speaking at the programme, the participants said Bhanga-Kuakata highway is the main road link connecting the country's southern region, including Patuakhali and the tourist destination of Kuakata, with Dhaka and other parts of the country.
They said increasing traffic on the highway has led to frequent congestion and road accidents.
The speakers stressed that widening the highway to six lanes is essential to promote tourism, trade and commerce, and strengthen the regional economy.