By Didarul Alam 

CUMILLA, Aug 1, 2026 (BSS) - The newly formed Cumilla Development Authority (CDA) has undertaken a comprehensive action plan to transform Cumilla into a planned, clean, environment-friendly and modern megacity covering an area of 341 square kilometres within the next decade. 

In an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the newly appointed first CDA Chair Udbatul Bari Abu disclosed the authority's roadmap for planned urban development following the establishment of the new institution. 

The chairman expressed confidence that the CDA's long-term master plan would provide the foundation for planned urban development, environmental sustainability and improved civic services, ultimately transforming Cumilla into one of Bangladesh's most modern, organized and livable cities over the next decade. 

The “Cumilla Development Authority Act” was gazetted on April 10, while Udbatul Bari Abu was appointed as the first Chairman of the Cumilla Development Authority on June 11. 

Entrusted with the responsibility of leading the newly established authority, Abu has embarked on what he described as a challenging journey from the very beginning. 

The office of the Cumilla Development Authority has been established at the Housing and Public Works Building at Zero Point in Cumilla metropolis, where the chairman is currently overseeing the authority's initial activities. 

Abu said that, as part of the action plan, a One-Stop Service (OSS) will be launched soon by bringing all citizen services under a fully digital platform. 

In addition, he said, initiatives have been taken to make Cumilla one of the country's most planned cities through the construction of ring roads, land reorganisation, land redevelopment, reservoir conservation, development of tourism zones, establishment of an IT park and implementation of modern urban management. 

Highlighting the background to the formation of the Cumilla Development Authority, Abu said the people of Cumilla had long expected the establishment of an integrated development authority for the region. 

He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the initiative of Housing and Public Works Minister and Member of Parliament for Comilla-8 (Barura) constituency Zakaria Taher, that long-standing expectation became a reality through the passage of the law in parliament. 

According to the chairman, since the Cumilla Development Authority was established through a complete legal framework rather than by ordinance, it has the opportunity to function as a strong and effective institution. 

Speaking about the experience of taking charge of a completely new organisation, Abu said, "Starting a journey without any pre-prepared manpower, infrastructure or administrative structure is a big challenge, as well as an opportunity to set a new example." 

"Since there are no old irregularities, corruption or ineffective administrative culture, it will be possible to build a technology-based, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly organisation from the very beginning," he added. 

The chairman said the jurisdiction of the organization would not be limited to the Cumilla City Corporation alone. 

The proposed 341-square-kilometre area includes Cumilla City Corporation, Adarsh Sadar Upazila, Sadar Dakshin Upazila, parts of the prosperous towns of Mainamati and Mokam Union under Burichang Upazila, and the Bagmara area. 

He said an inter-ministerial meeting had already taken a decision regarding the proposed jurisdiction, while the process of publishing the final gazette notification is currently underway. 

The CDA chairman said it would not be possible to bring immediate changes to the old and densely populated areas of Cumilla. 

However, through the Land Redevelopment system incorporated into the new law, initiatives will be taken to widen roads, improve civic amenities and reorganise unplanned infrastructure in phases. 

He said the new master plan includes construction of ring roads to ease traffic congestion, decentralisation 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. 

At the same time, initiatives will also be taken to establish a modern IT park to generate employment opportunities and build a technology-based economy. 

Highlighting the significance of the Land Readjustment system introduced under the new law, Abu said the authority would move away from the conventional land acquisition process by making landowners partners in development projects. 

Under the system, he said, improved plots will be returned to landowners after setting aside the necessary land for roads, parks, open spaces and public service infrastructure in a planned manner. 

Although the amount of land owned by individuals may decrease slightly, its market value and practical utility will increase significantly, he added. 

Regarding the simplification of citizen services, the chairman said all services, including building permits and design approvals, would gradually be brought under a fully digital platform. 

A One-Stop Service (OSS) will be introduced soon, enabling citizens to apply online, submit building designs, pay fees and obtain approvals within the stipulated time from their homes. 

"This will greatly reduce harassment, delays, corruption and the influence of middlemen," he said. 

The CDA chairman also said the inclusion of representatives of 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 and eliminate duplication in the implementation of development projects. 

On environmental conservation, Abu said Cumilla's historic ponds, dighis and other reservoirs would be identified under the Bangladesh Environmental Conservation Act and incorporated into a digital mapping system. 

He said strict monitoring would be ensured so that no individual or organisation could illegally fill these water bodies or construct structures on them. 

Referring to the immediate priorities of the newly established authority, the chairman identified approval of the institutional organogram, recruitment of skilled manpower and strengthening administrative capacity as the key challenges. 

He said skilled human resources, information technology-based management and active public participation would be essential for building a modern and effective development authority. 

Addressing the people of Cumilla, Abu said planned urbanisation could not be achieved by the government alone. 

He urged citizens to play a responsible role by complying with laws and regulations in all development activities, including building construction, and by extending full cooperation to the Cumilla Development Authority. 

Expressing optimism about the future, he said that with the collective efforts of the government, public institutions and residents, it would be possible to establish a beautiful, livable and sustainable modern city in Cumilla, ensuring an improved quality of life for its citizens. 

The CDA chairman expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman, as well as the National Parliament, saying that the establishment of the Cumilla Development Authority and the enactment of the relevant law would become a milestone in advancing the development of Cumilla, one of the country's oldest centres of history, tradition, education and culture. 

He said the development of every region under the leadership of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would contribute to building the future Bangladesh. 

Abu said the Cumilla Development Authority Act would facilitate the preparation of a comprehensive long-term master plan to achieve the authority's objectives. 

He reiterated that the Cumilla Development Authority remains 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 urbanisation, ensure disaster-resilient urban management, promote the tourism industry and improve the overall quality of urban life, he added. 

A veteran political organiser, Abu is the first elected President of Cumilla Metropolitan BNP.

 Previously, he served as the elected President of Cumilla Metropolitan Jubo Dal and the elected President of Cumilla South District Chhatra Dal. 

He also served as the elected General Secretary of the Cumilla Victoria University College Students' Union in the 1998 election. 

Over the years, Abu has earned recognition as a dedicated and courageous organiser through his involvement in movements aimed at restoring democracy and securing human rights.