Army launches 10km road project in Jungle Salimpur

The Bangladesh Army has launched construction of a 10-kilometre road network in Jungle Salimpur, a hilly enclave on the outskirts of Chattogram city long regarded as a criminal stronghold.

The project covers two key corridors – one linking Alinagar with the Bhatiari-Baradighi Link Road, and another connecting the area to the Dhaka-Chattogram highway via Jalil Textile. 

Beyond improving daily transportation for thousands of residents in the remote settlements, the roads are expected to sharpen law enforcement mobility and break the area's deep-rooted isolation.

Speaking at a briefing near the construction site – approximately two kilometresnorth of Alinagar High School – on Monday, Lt Col Kamrul Al Masud, commanding officer of the 26 Construction Battalion, said the army was drawing on its experience in difficult terrain.

"Based on our experience of working in remote, hilly and challenging environments, we have undertaken this initiative to establish reliable connectivity in the area," he said.

The project, due for completion within six months, also encompasses several culverts, three bridges, drainage systems, retaining walls and other structures designed to prevent landslides and secure long-term stability.

Security arrangements have been integrated into the construction plan from the outset. "Considering the overall situation in the area, the Bangladesh Army has established its own security perimeter to ensure full safety for the project. Security support from the police, RAB and Border Guard Bangladesh is also in place," Lt Col Kamrul said.

Work is already under way on a priority stretch running from the Alinagar High School intersection towards No. 3 Bazar, near the army-operated Café-24 tourist spot.

Local residents say deteriorating roads have disrupted everyday life for years, particularly during the monsoon. Sharif, a student at Alinagar High School, noted the tangible impact on schoolchildren. 

"The road becomes muddy and parts of it are often submerged by streams flowing down from the hills. Once the road is built, travelling to school — in addition to other facilities – will be much easier for all of us," he said.

Jungle Salimpur, roughly 10 kilometres from Chattogram city centre, covers around 3,100 acres of khas land and is home to some 25,000 families. Settlers began arriving in the 1990s, with numbers swelling sharply after slum evictions in 2004. 

Criminal networks subsequently entrenched themselves across the area, and the locality became notorious for attacks on law enforcers, officials and journalists.

Tensions escalated sharply on 19 January this year when RAB-7 Deputy Assistant Director Motaleb Hossain Bhuiya was killed during an operation there. 

Authorities responded with a crackdown, establishing two camps and filing cases against criminal leaders, including alleged kingpin Mohammad Yasin. 

On 25 May, however, militants struck back, opening fire on security personnel with weapons including AK-47 rifles and demolishing an under-construction joint forces camp. 

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed visited the area on 31 May, vowing that Jungle Salimpur would not be allowed to serve as a sanctuary for terrorists.