CPA plan to build jetty at Sadarghat opposed
Given the historical value of Sadarghat in the port city and dependence of thousands of people on it for their daily livelihoods, the city's residents accompanied by boatmen of the Karnaphuli River yesterday urged the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) not to set up any jetty for lighter vessels there through destroying the ghat.
The urge came up from a rally and a human chain jointly organised by Karnaphuli Nodi Sampan Majhi Kalyan Samiti Federation and Chattagram Ancholik Sangskriti Academy (Casa) at Sadarghat area of the river.
"…Sadarghat is our local, social and national heritage. Many verses and songs were written and composed centring the Karnaphuli River and the ghat. None gave CPA authority to abolish this ghat," Karnaphuli researcher Md Idris Ali told the rally attended by hundreds of residents and boatmen.
"Influential quarters are grabbing acres of lands on the river's both banks. CPA can construct the jetty there through reclaiming those lands," said Sohel Md Fakruddin, president of Chhatragram Itihas Charcha Kendra.
Casa Chairman Aliur Rahman said the city history was intertwined with the ghat, adding, "We cannot understand why the CPA is attempting to destroy it…"
"The Sadarghat route through the river saves both time and money of thousands of commuters. Should the ghat be bunged up, commuters, boatmen and labourers will suffer terribly," said SM Pear Ali, president of Sampan Majhi Kolayan Samity Federation.
Robayet Ferdous, a HSC student of Islamia College, said it took only 10 to 15 minutes to come to the college from his Char Patharghata residence situated on the southern bank of the Karnaphuli.
"It will take over an hour to reach the college if the ghat is stopped," added the student.
It is worth mentioning that after conquering Chittagong port from Portuguese pirates in 1666, Nawab Shaista Khan founded the Sadarghat river-port at the Karnaphuli River channel to turn the city into a modern one.
Chanel i Chittagong Bureau Chief Chowdhury Farid spoke, among others, at the programme.
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