The impasse regarding the construction of the Shaplapur-Kalarmarchhara connecting road in Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar—specifically a 3.70-kilometer stretch involving hill cutting—has been resolved following an order from the Appellate Division. This follows an earlier High Court interim order that had halted work on that section. Consequently, the way is now clear to proceed with the road’s construction, subject to compliance with necessary legal and administrative procedures. The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is constructing the road with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at a cost of approximately Tk 22 crore 37 lakh 70 thousand 240.

Work on this project, spanning roughly 4.5 kilometers, commenced on January 9, 2025. The project is scheduled for completion by January 9, 2027. Following a petition filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), questions arose regarding whether a portion of the road passed through reserved forest land and whether forestry and environmental regulations had been duly followed. Based on this, the High Court issued a rule on August 6 in Writ Petition No. 9275/2026 and granted an interim order halting construction on the 3.70-kilometer section for two months. According to project officials, this is not the construction of a new road corridor but an improvement project for an existing roadway.

Relevant documents, including the alignment map and project records, have been submitted to the appropriate authorities and the court. Meanwhile, information available on the Forest Department’s website includes various records regarding protected areas and forest lands. However, there is no information listing the alignment of the Kalarmarchhara-JM Ghat road or the Moheshkhali Hill *Mouza* as reserved forest land. Forest Department records list the Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary in Chakaria Upazila as the nearest gazetted protected area.

The government filed a ‘Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal’ (No. 3214/2026) with the Appellate Division against the High Court’s order. A hearing regarding this matter was held on September 8 in Court No. 1 of the Appellate Division. According to the court’s cause list, the issue concerning the stay order has been marked as “disposed of.” This development paves the way for construction work to proceed in compliance with applicable laws, environmental conditions, approved project documents, and further court directives.

Officials stated that LGED Cox’s Bazar made sincere efforts to resolve the legal complexities surrounding the road project by presenting relevant documents and advancing the necessary legal procedures. They believe that the initiative and coordinated efforts of the district LGED have been key factors in the progress of this long-awaited and vital connectivity project. Abul Hasanat Mohiuddin, Executive Engineer of LGED Cox’s Bazar, noted that the road is crucial for the large population residing in the northern part of Moheshkhali.

Once implemented, the project will significantly improve communication and transportation facilities for the local residents. Following the Appellate Division’s order, subsequent activities will be carried out in strict adherence to the court’s directives and necessary procedures. Local residents indicated that upon completion of the road’s development, the travel distance between Kalamarchhara and JM Ghat could be reduced from approximately 15 kilometers to 4.5 kilometers.

This would facilitate easier access to markets, educational institutions, and healthcare centers for the people of North Moheshkhali, including those in Kalamarchhara and Shaplapur. Furthermore, the road could strengthen local connectivity with the Matarbari region. Given the ongoing major projects in Matarbari—such as the deep-sea port and various energy and economic development initiatives—locals anticipate that this road will play a significant role in future local connectivity and economic activities.