Cut waterlogging in Ctg by half

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the authorities concerned to reduce waterlogging in Chattogram city by half compared to the previous rainy season, intending to gradually eliminate the entire issue.

He gave this directive while speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting on waterlogging held at the Chattogram Circuit House conference room yesterday.

Prof Yunus arrived in Chattogram yesterday morning for a day-long visit -- his first visit to the city since assuming office as chief adviser.

During the meeting, he listened to updates and experiences shared by representatives of the Chattogram City Corporation, Chattogram District Administration, and other local service organisations and civil society groups.

"We have had many theoretical discussions. We don't want those anymore. We want to permanently solve the waterlogging problem. While it won't happen all at once, we must work to gradually change the situation," said the chief adviser.

He acknowledged that since the rainy season has already begun this year, a complete solution is unlikely this time. However, he emphasised that if recent efforts by the Chattogram City Corporation and other local government bodies do not yield the expected results this year, those efforts will seem to have gone down the drain.

We have had many theoretical discussions. We don't want those anymore. We want to permanently solve the waterlogging problem. While it won't happen all at once, we must work to gradually change the situation.

Highlighting Chattogram's heritage and historical achievements, Prof Yunus said the waterlogging issue is both symbolic and complex. He said solving this problem could set an example for other cities and districts.

Urging to address the issue regularly, he said, "Many other cities lack the capacity that Chattogram has. Therefore, all local organisations must remain active, and civil society must step up and demonstrate their capability."

The meeting was attended by Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Education Adviser CR Abrar, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, Health Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser Lutfe Siddiqui, BIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, and SDG Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamia Morshed, among others.