Authorities silent as revenue worth crores lost yearly; risks and visual pollution rising
Fahima Begum Priya, Cumilla: The Dhaka–Chattogram highway, the busiest commercial artery in Bangladesh, is now overwhelmed with unauthorized billboards. Vibrant banners and signs dominate both sides of the road, turning the highway into a chaotic canvas. While the government loses crores in potential revenue, the road loses its aesthetic appeal and traffic safety is increasingly compromised—yet the administration remains silent.
Locals allege that advertising agencies have installed thousands of billboards without any formal approval. According to sources within the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the majority of these structures are illegal and in direct violation of existing billboard regulations.
The national policy clearly prohibits billboards in hazardous areas—such as road bends, key point installations (KPIs), overbridges, flyovers, rooftops of high-rise buildings, or any location that may obstruct visibility. Furthermore, billboards on government land must be rented legally, typically for no more than three years, and each must display a registration number and validity period.
A field visit reveals the situation is far worse: nearly every traffic island, divider, rooftop, and even trees have been converted into billboard spaces—many constructed from steel or wood and mostly lacking legal approval. Though the land belongs to the RHD, local officials and politically influential groups are said to control these billboard spots, pocketing the rental income.
Residents say that despite these billboards looming overhead for years, no action has been taken. An RHD official, requesting anonymity, stated:
"Each billboard can generate Tk 3 to 4 lakh annually in revenue. In just the Kanchpur, Meghna, and Daudkandi areas of the Dhaka–Chattogram highway, there are billboards worth at least Tk 50 lakh."
Under the Highway Act, 2020, installing billboards without permission can result in a fine of Tk 50,000. In reserved zones, illegal installations can lead to two years’ imprisonment and up to Tk 5 lakh in fines. But despite the laws, enforcement is almost nonexistent.
Md. Jamal Uddin, Additional Chief Engineer of the RHD, said:
"Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) have the authority to take action against these illegal billboards if they choose to."
However, in reality, where official rent is Tk 60 per square foot along with a 15% VAT, there appears to be no proper accounting or oversight. Analysts point out that a lack of enforcement, coupled with political influence, has allowed a booming “billboard business” to spiral out of control along the nation's major highway.
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