Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, May 9, 2026 (BSS)- Speakers at a seminar here today advocated for concerted efforts to mitigate persistent waterlogging problems in the port city by all concerned government organizations. 

They also underlined the importance of introducing city government system so that all development and public routine activities usually implement by service oriented and utility-providing bodies in the city could be done in a coordinated way.  

Addressing as chief guest at the seminar titled “Waterlogging in Chattogram City: Source of Crisis and Civic Responsibility” City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain reassured city residents that 70 to 80 percent of the waterlogging problem would be resolved before upcoming monsoon.

Executive Committee of the Chattogram Press Club organized the seminar held at it’s July Biplob Srithi Hall on Saturday morning.

He mentioned that the remaining 15 to 20 percent work related to city flash floods is expected to be addressed by December. 

Dr. Shahdat urged residents to be patient as efforts are ongoing to improve the situation.

City Mayor made it clear that any temporary water congestion at certain points due to heavy rainfall coincide with high tide in the river Karnaphuli. 

But the water usually drain out within two to three hours as a result of multifarious efforts taken and implemented in the meantime to free the city from the long standing civic sufferings.

Dr. Shahdat announced that the canal development projects currently in progress will be finished by December before the next monsoon season. He expressed optimism that the persistent issue of waterlogging from the past will not recur once the projects are completed. 

The city mayor lauded the involvement of Army engineering units in overseeing and implementing the projects.

Participating in the discussion as special guest, local parliament member Abu Sufian has emphasized the need for creating public awareness and sought cooperation from city dwellers to cooperate with the authorities in solving the problem.

He mentioned that there is no alternatives to restoration of disappeared and illegally encroached canals and drains side by side free those by removing all illegal structures. 

Additionally, he said, efforts should be made to educate the public about proper waste disposal practices to prevent clogging. 

Abu Sufian expressed optimism about the collaboration between the Chattogram City Corporation and the government in resolving waterlogging. 

Chattogram Press Club President Jahidul Karim Kochi presided over the function while Daily Azadi Editor MA Malek inaugurating the event. 

NTV Bureau Chief Shamsul Haque Haidari delivered the welcome speech at the seminar. Dean of the Faculty of Science at Chattogram University Professor Dr. Al Amin and Ayesha Khanam, assistant professor of CUET presented two separate keynote papers at the seminar.

Premier University Vice Chancellor Professor Nasrul Quadir , CDA Chairman Eng. Nurul Karim, BGC Trust University VC Dr. Manjurul Kibria, former VC of East Delta University Chattogram Professor Dr. Sekandar Khan, President of Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists  Mohammed Shah Nowaz, former General Secretary of city BNP Abul Hashem Bakkar, Urban Planner Architect Zerina Hossain, Urban Planner Eng. Delwar Majumder, senior journalist Osman Gani Mansur, Russian Honorary Consulate Architect Ashiq Imran were among others, took part in the discussion.