Published: 12:55 AM, 10 October 2026
Govt takes comprehensive plan to make Ctg as regional economic hub
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the government decided to build up the port city under a comprehensive plan to develop it as a regional economic hub and an aesthetically pleasing city as well.
"Obviously, the persistent water logging problem in this important city of the country shall be mitigated through formulating visionary and pragmatic projects side by side elevating the city in such a height so that citizens can live here in a soothing atmosphere," the minister said while speaking as chief guest at a wide-range of review meeting on port city's water logging mitigation, canal excavation and maintenance projects here today.
Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) arranged the meeting at CCC conference room on Friday afternoon with CCC Mayor Dr. ShahadatHossain in the chair, BSS reports.
The finance minister said a habitable metropolis must have green space, walkway and cycle track so that inhabitants live in a healthy and hygienic environment.
"Piecemeal and haphazard schemes never bring sustainable solution. Civic interest and greater welfare, long-term positive outcome and impact on environment side by side multilateral benefits should be taken into account before formulating any project in future" Amir Khosru said.
He advised the officials concern to incorporate the concept of having three components- walkway on both side of canals, water drainage facilities and bicycle tracks in the project to be taken for solving water logging and canal maintenance.
The Finance Minister also called for plantation of trees on available spaces on banks of the river and canals for promotion of environment in line with the Prime Minister TariqueRahman's countrywide massive tree plantation programme.
He called upon all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner in finding a lasting solution to the city flash floods that causes misery to the city dwellers each year along with considerable economic loss.
Inter-departmental coordination save project time, misuse or excess expenditure and ensure maximum benefits of the project, Khosru said.
Disclosing the government's long-term and comprehensive plan centering seaport, deep-sea port, air port, exclusive economic zones and surrounding potential sectors of the port city, the minister said we are marching forward with the visionary planning to turn the city as an economic hub of the region.
City Mayor Dr. ShahadatHossain said CCC is working hand to hand with all government organizations and utility service providers to free the city from water congestion.
Referring the country's first bicycle track inaugurated at city's Patenga area today, CCC mayor said CCC has a plan to develop more such track side by side walkways on both sides of canal and river banks to turn the port city into a smart, healthy, modern and green city.
AlhajErshadUllah MP and Abu Sufian MP- both are advisers of the CCC's water logging mitigation and canal excavation program, also spoke at the function.
Heads and representatives from all utility service providing organizations, relevant government bodies, and civil administration attended the meeting.
Brigade Colonel MohsinulHaqChowdhury, director of mega project taken for resolving water logging problems of the city briefed the meeting over the progress of the project.
He stated that physical work of the nearly Tk. 8000 crore project is nearly completion as necessary dredging, excavation, recovery and construction of retaining walls of 31 out of 36 canals under the scheme have already done.
Work of rest five retaining walls will be completed by next February, he said, adding that the canals for future maintenance and repair work to be handed over to CCC from next March.
He said about 5,500 illegal structures were demolished while implementing the project, reducing the number of water logging areas to 13 in 2025 from 113 in the past years.
CCC officials informed the meeting that they have identified 130 canals in the city and plans are underway to recover and re-excavate the canals.
CCC needs at least Tk. 9000 crore to execute its projects involving 41 canals in first phase.
CDA Chairman Eng. BelayetHossain, Wasa Managing Director EngSelim Jane Alam and Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Meah, spoke among other at the meeting.
