Fish-loading on highway causes traffic jams, trouble for tourists

Fish-laden buses, trucks and pickup vans regularly occupy the Dhaka-Kuakata highway near Mahipur Fish Port in Patuakhali’s Kalapara, causing traffic congestion and disrupting tourists and locals.

With no designated terminal or loading zone, workers load fish and ice boxes directly from vehicles parked along the highway. More than 100 vehicles reportedly transport fish from the port to different parts of the country every day.

The problem worsens during holidays and the tourist season, when Kuakata-bound vehicles often get stuck in long traffic jams.

A Dhaka tourist, Rabiul Islam, said he was stuck near Mahipur for around 40-45 minutes while returning from Kuakata. He questioned the lack of visible administrative action despite Mahipur Police Station being nearby.

Fish traders said they have no alternative loading facility and would move the operation if authorities provided a designated area.

Mahipur Police Station OC Shamim Ahmed said traders had been instructed to keep the road clear and that measures would be taken to reduce congestion.