Chattogram: A progress report presented before Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today at a meeting on measures taken to address water-logging in Chattogram city stated that 75 percent of water-logging has already been addressed there. Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr. Muhammad Ziauddin presented the progress report on the projects undertaken to tackle water-logging at the meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the progress report indicated that 88 percent of the four major projects aimed at alleviating water-logging have been completed. Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder shared these details during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy. The meeting saw participation from notable figures including Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan, and Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim, among others.
The press secretary noted that during a visit to Chattogram on May 14, the Chief Adviser had set a target to reduce water-logging by at least 50 percent within the year. In response, local authorities, alongside the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade of Bangladesh Army, worked on several projects, achieving a 75 percent reduction in water-logging in the city.
Brigadier General Shamsul Alam of the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade commended the collective efforts that surpassed the initial target. The presentation highlighted a reduction in waterlogged spots from 113 in 2023, which lasted 8-9 hours, to 21 spots in 2025, now limited to 2-4 hours. The goal is to reduce these spots to 10 by the next year and achieve a fully tolerable level by 2027.
The meeting shed light on weak waste management as a significant obstacle, with an average of 800 tons of waste being deposited daily in Chattogram's waterways. Officials proposed creating an ecosystem for effective waste collection. Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) officials revealed that of the 3,200 tons of daily waste produced, only 2,700-2,800 tons are disposed of, leading to clogged drains and canals.
Azad mentioned that multiple feasibility studies have been conducted to modernize waste management, urging rapid governmental decisions on these matters. Expressing satisfaction over the progress, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced the completion of the first phase of water-logging mitigation and the transition to the second phase, instructing agencies to submit their plans in writing.
The meeting also discussed the progress on the reconstruction of Chaktai Khal, with CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim reporting that 12 water pumps are being installed, 10 of which are operational, capable of removing 24 crore liters of water daily. Karim also mentioned the installation of 56 water pumps across Chattogram and requested government funds for land acquisition.
The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of maintaining projects after completion. Chattogram City Corporation officials expressed gratitude to local residents for voluntarily giving up land for development projects and called for expedited compensation for landowners. They also appreciated local BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for financially supporting the renovation of two canals.
The briefing concluded with remarks from Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, accompanied by Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and Assistant Press Secretary Shuchismita Tithi.