Slow progress of 15.5-km-long Saidpur-Nilphamari highway construction via Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) is causing sufferings to 35 thousand workers of the EPZ. Besides, transport of raw materials and goods to and from the EPZ factories is also being affected due to the incomplete road. The highway is being constructed in two segments -- one by Navana Construction Ltd and the other by a consortium of several construction farms.