Khulna: Khulna City Corporation Administrator Md Firoz Sarkar today announced that various initiatives have been taken to transform Khulna into a modern, green, and livable city by addressing waterlogging, pollution, and traffic congestion. He made these remarks during a coordination meeting between the officials of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) and the leaders of the Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC), held at Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of the Nagar Bhaban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting was presided over by KCC Administrator and Divisional Commissioner Md. Feroz Sarkar. During the meeting, GKDACC presented several justified public demands aimed at transforming Khulna into a more planned and environmentally friendly metropolis. These demands included the expansion of city areas, modernization of waste management, and reduction of traffic congestion.
The demands also covered construction of city protection embankments, walkways around river-surrounded areas, and initiatives to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. Proposals included constructing a multipurpose, visually appealing multi-storey building on the site of the former Zia Hall, establishing more quality educational institutions, and undertaking afforestation and environmental development. Additionally, there were calls for the construction of a city general hospital, renovation of public parks, and demolition of hazardous buildings.
The Committee emphasized the removal of illegal encroachments from the Mayur River and 22 canals for improved drainage, as well as dredging the Bhairab, Rupsha, and Poshur rivers and renovating existing ponds. Responding to these demands, the KCC Administrator stated that creating an aesthetic structure at the Zia Hall site is a top priority, and steps are already underway.
Regarding traffic issues, he noted that a program to train easy-bike drivers has been launched. A software system is being implemented to regulate easy-bike operations, ensuring that no single license can be used for multiple vehicles. Acknowledging waterlogging during high tides and heavy rain, he explained that ongoing development projects are a contributing factor. A letter has been sent to the Khulna Development Authority, the Water Development Board, and the Ministry of Shipping to address this urgently.
The administrator further emphasized the importance of building a new Bangladesh with an educated young generation, highlighting the need for more quality educational institutions. Although there are quality schools in the city, their number is insufficient, and he called for systematic efforts to increase such institutions.
President and Secretary General of GKDACC Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman and Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Hafiz, former Treasurer of Khulna University Professor Mohammad Mazharul Hannan, KCC’s Chief Executive Officer Laskar Tajul Islam, Chief Engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan, Chief Planning Officer Abir-ul-Jabbar, Chief Revenue Officer Rahima Sultana Bushra, Chief Waste Management Officer and Executive Magistrate Kohinur Jahan, KCC officials, coordination committee leaders, and respected community members were present at the event.
Following the meeting, the KCC Administrator, along with the Committee leaders, conducted a field visit to Ward No-31 to observe drainage obstacles and ongoing remedial actions by the City Corporation.