diff --git a/cmd/bd/direct_mode.go b/cmd/bd/direct_mode.go
index 9f1b3b1a..a6dc56b2 100644
--- a/cmd/bd/direct_mode.go
+++ b/cmd/bd/direct_mode.go
@@ -89,7 +89,9 @@ func ensureStoreActive() error {
 		}
 	}
 
-	sqlStore, err := sqlite.New(getRootContext(), path)
+	// Use configured lock timeout (default 30s, can be overridden via --lock-timeout)
+	// This fixes bd-2zd.4: SQLite lock contention during multi-agent operations
+	sqlStore, err := sqlite.NewWithTimeout(getRootContext(), path, lockTimeout)
 	if err != nil {
 		// Check for fresh clone scenario
 		if isFreshCloneError(err) {