The foundation stone of the new 22-storey administrative building of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) was laid yesterday.

CCC Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury laid the foundation stone of the proposed building - Nagar Bhaban - on the CCC premises at Anderkilla in the afternoon.

Addressing the programme, Mayor Mohiuddin Chowdhury said the construction of the Nagar Bhaban would be the first step to establish a city government.

The building is being constructed under a city development policy to extend the activities of CCC, which is committed to public service, he said.

Referring to the initial financing of the project by CCC, the mayor said, "Implementation of any project is possible if there are will and proper plan."

"Even without increasing the holding taxes CCC could make advancement possible in education, health and development sectors through different income generating projects," he added.

The mayor said CCC is trying to upgrade the CCC-run Premier University as a university of international standard.

Sources in CCC said the new building to be constructed on some 40.8 katha of land at an approximate cost of Tk 48 crore 85.56 lakh would also provide spaces for conference hall and different organisations serving public amenities and facilities.