Thousands of commuters in Cumilla have been experiencing significant traffic delays due to unauthorized market activities along a key section of the Laksam–Cumilla Highway, a critical route connecting southern Upazilas, Dhaka, and the port city of Chattogram. The congestion is chiefly caused by fish and vegetable vendors occupying lanes and footpaths, severely restricting the flow of vehicles on the four-lane highway near Padar Bazar.

Fish traders operate twice weekly, on Sundays and Thursdays, drawing substantial crowds and setting up stalls along nearly one kilometer of the highway opposite Haji Akram Uddin High School. On other days, vegetable sellers predominantly use the area, but traffic disruptions persist throughout the week. A site visit revealed market stalls occupying an entire lane, forcing vehicles to slow down and queue as available road space diminishes approaching the Jangalia area.

Local commuters have voiced frustration over the persistent congestion. Matin Mia, who travels from Lalmai Upazila, described the bottleneck as a daily problem upon returning home. “There seems to be nobody to look into the matter. How can a market be allowed to occupy a road like this?” he asked. Similar concerns were raised by Idris Mia of Khila in Laksam Upazila, who noted that wait times often reach 30 minutes on market days. Residents have long called for relocating the market to a designated site to enable traders to continue their business without impeding traffic on this important transport corridor.

Authorities have acknowledged the problem and begun exploring potential solutions. On August 17, Cumilla City Corporation official Yusuf Molla Tipu visited a proposed site behind the current market area to evaluate options for easing congestion and expanding road space. Discussions with stakeholders considered shifting the market away from the roadside to restore smoother traffic flow.

Despite these efforts, commuters report that congestion remains a daily challenge, and progress toward relocation has been slow. Tipu confirmed that the city corporation has formally requested ministry approval for moving the market further off the highway. “Once we receive a decision from the ministry, we will begin work. We hope to find a permanent solution very soon,” he said, without specifying a timeline.

As the market continues to operate in its current location, residents and travelers along the Laksam–Cumilla Highway are left to contend with ongoing traffic disruptions on one of the region’s primary commercial routes.