Six-lane Sylhet-Dhaka highway expected to open by mid-2029

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The Sylhet-Dhaka highway is expected to be fully ready for traffic by mid-2029 following its upgrade to six lanes, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Saturday.

Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Metropolitan Business Association in Sylhet city, the minister said work on the six-lane upgrade was progressing as part of ongoing efforts to improve the country’s communication network.

He said the project would strengthen connectivity between Sylhet and other parts of the country while supporting investment and trade.

Muktadir also announced plans to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) training centre in Sylhet to help young people develop skills for the information technology sector. He said he had discussed the proposal with the ICT minister and a final decision would be made after the minister’s visit to Sylhet next week or the following week.

He said training could create opportunities for young people in Sylhet to enter freelancing and work with organisations in Bangladesh and abroad.

The minister said improved connectivity, information technology and law and order were important for increasing investment in Sylhet. He also stressed infrastructure development and skilled human resources as essential for the region’s overall development.

Regarding security, Muktadir said drugs and juvenile gangs could discourage investment and that technology-based surveillance would be strengthened.

He also announced plans to bring Sylhet city under advanced CCTV surveillance, with cameras capable of facial recognition and effective monitoring at night.