Cumilla: The newly formed Cumilla Development Authority (CuDA) has unveiled an ambitious 10-year action plan aimed at transforming Cumilla into a planned, clean, environment-friendly, and modern megacity spanning 341 square kilometers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the newly appointed first CDA Chair Udbatul Bari Abu shared the authority's strategic roadmap for urban development in an interview. Abu expressed confidence that the CDA's long-term master plan would lay the groundwork for organized urban development, environmental sustainability, and enhanced civic services, ultimately positioning Cumilla as one of Bangladesh's most modern, organized, and livable cities over the next decade.
The 'Cumilla Development Authority Act' was officially gazetted on April 10, with Udbatul Bari Abu being appointed as the inaugural Chairman of the Cumilla Development Authority on June 11. Entrusted with the responsibility of leading the newly established authority, Abu has embarked on a challenging journey from the outset. The Cumilla Development Authority's office has been set up at the Housing and Public Works Building at Zero Point in Cumilla metropolis, where the chairman is currently overseeing the authority's initial activities.
As part of the action plan, Abu announced the imminent launch of a One-Stop Service (OSS) that will bring all citizen services under a fully digital platform. Additionally, initiatives have been taken to make Cumilla one of the country's most planned cities through the construction of ring roads, land reorganization, land redevelopment, reservoir conservation, development of tourism zones, establishment of an IT park, and implementation of modern urban management.
Highlighting the background of the formation of the Cumilla Development Authority, Abu noted that the people of Cumilla had long anticipated the establishment of an integrated development authority for the region. He credited the guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the efforts of Housing and Public Works Minister and Member of Parliament for Comilla-8 (Barura) constituency Zakaria Taher for turning this long-standing expectation into reality through the passage of the law in parliament.
According to the chairman, the establishment of the Cumilla Development Authority through a complete legal framework, rather than by ordinance, provides the opportunity for it to function as a strong and effective institution. Abu emphasized that the absence of old irregularities, corruption, or ineffective administrative cultures would enable the authority to build a technology-based, transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly organization from the very beginning.
The jurisdiction of the organization will encompass Cumilla City Corporation, Adarsh Sadar Upazila, Sadar Dakshin Upazila, parts of Mainamati and Mokam Union under Burichang Upazila, and the Bagmara area, covering a proposed 341-square-kilometer area. While immediate changes to old and densely populated areas of Cumilla may not be possible, the Land Redevelopment system incorporated into the new law will facilitate initiatives to widen roads, improve civic amenities, and reorganize unplanned infrastructure in phases.
The new master plan includes the construction of ring roads to ease traffic congestion, decentralization of commercial activities, integrated urban planning with a modern public transport system, and the development of a tourism zone by preserving the archaeological heritage of Mainamati and Shalban Bihar. Additionally, there are plans to establish a modern IT park to generate employment opportunities and build a technology-based economy.
Abu highlighted the significance of the Land Readjustment system introduced under the new law, which will see landowners become partners in development projects. Improved plots will be returned to landowners after setting aside land for roads, parks, open spaces, and public service infrastructure in a planned manner. Although individual land ownership may decrease slightly, its market value and practical utility will increase significantly.
The chairman stressed the importance of simplifying citizen services by gradually bringing all services, including building permits and design approvals, under a fully digital platform. A One-Stop Service (OSS) will enable citizens to apply online, submit building designs, pay fees, and obtain approvals within the stipulated time from their homes, significantly reducing harassment, delays, corruption, and the influence of middlemen.
Abu also mentioned that the inclusion of representatives from the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and Chief Executive Officer of Comilla City Corporation on the authority's Board of Directors would ensure effective coordination among government agencies, eliminating duplication in development project implementation. On environmental conservation, Cumilla's historic ponds, dighis, and other reservoirs will be identified under the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act and incorporated into a digital mapping system, with strict monitoring to prevent illegal activities.
Addressing immediate priorities, the chairman identified approval of the institutional organogram, recruitment of skilled manpower, and strengthening administrative capacity as key challenges. He emphasized the need for skilled human resources, information technology-based management, and active public participation to build a modern and effective development authority.
Abu called on the citizens of Cumilla to play a responsible role by complying with laws and regulations in all development activities and extend full cooperation to the Cumilla Development Authority. He expressed optimism that with the collective efforts of the government, public institutions, and residents, Cumilla could be transformed into a beautiful, livable, and sustainable modern city, ensuring an improved quality of life for its citizens.
The chairman expressed gratitude to Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, as well as the National Parliament, for establishing the Cumilla Development Authority and enacting the relevant law, marking a milestone in advancing Cumilla's development. He believes that the development of every region under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would contribute to building the future Bangladesh.
Abu reiterated that the Cumilla Development Authority is committed to maintaining the balance of the geo-natural environment while establishing a planned modern city encompassing Cumilla and its surrounding areas. The authority will work to prevent unplanned urbanization, ensure disaster-resilient urban management, promote the tourism industry, and improve the overall quality of urban life.
A veteran political organizer, Abu is the first elected President of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP and has previously served as the elected President of Cumilla Metropolitan Jubo Dal, Cumilla South District Chhatra Dal, and as the elected General Secretary of the Cumilla Victoria University College Students' Union in 1998. Over the years, he has earned recognition as a dedicated and courageous organizer through his involvement in movements aimed at restoring democracy and securing human rights.