Photo: BSS

KHULNA, June 23, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna City Corporation Administrator Md Firoz Sarkar today said various initiatives have been taken to transform Khulna into a modern, green and livable city by tackling waterlogging, pollution and traffic congestion.

He made the remarks during a coordination meeting between the officials of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) and the leaders of the Greater Khulna Development Action Coordination Committee (GKDACC), held at Shaheed Altaf Auditorium of the Nagar Bhaban.

KCC Administrator and also the divisional commissioner Md. Feroz Sarkar presided over the meeting. 

During the meeting, the GKDACC presented several justified public demands aimed at transforming Khulna into a more planned, environmentally friendly and livable metropolis. 
They called for practical action plans to fulfil these demands. 

The demands raised included expansion of city areas, modernization of waste management, reduction of traffic congestion, construction of city protection embankments and walkways around river surrounded in Khulna, along with initiatives to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal construction of a multipurpose, visually appealing multi-storey building on the site of the former Zia Hall, establishment of more quality educational institutions in both Bengali and English mediums, afforestation and environmental development, construction of a city general hospital alongside existing maternity clinics, renovation of public parks and demolition of hazardous buildings. 

The Committee also emphasized the removal of illegal encroachments from the Mayur River and 22 canals for improved drainage, as well as dredging the Bhairab, Rupsha and Poshur rivers and renovating existing ponds.

Responding to these demands, the KCC Administrator that creating an aesthetic structure at the Zia Hall site is a top priority and steps are already underway in this regard.

Regarding traffic issues, he noted that a program to train easy-bike drivers has been launched, and a software system is being implemented to regulate easy-bike operations. Once active, the software will ensure that no single license can be used for multiple vehicles.

Acknowledging waterlogging during high tides and heavy rain, he explained that ongoing development projects are a contributing factor and a letter has been sent to the Khulna Development Authority (KDA),the Water Development Board and the Ministry of Shipping to address this urgently. 

The administrator further emphasized that building a new Bangladesh requires an educated young generation and for that, the expansion of quality education institutions is vital.

Although there are quality schools in the city, their number is insufficient. He called for systematic and inclusive efforts to increase such institutions.

President and Secretary General of GKDACC, Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman and Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Hafiz; former Treasurer of Khulna University, Professor Mohammad Mazharul Hannan; KCC's Chief Executive Officer, Laskar Tajul Islam; Chief Engineer, Moshiuzzaman Khan; Chief Planning Officer, Abir-ul-Jabbar; Chief Revenue Officer, Rahima Sultana Bushra; Chief Waste Management Officer and Executive Magistrate, Kohinur Jahan; KCC officials, coordination committee leaders and respected members of the community were present at the event.

Following the meeting, the KCC Administrator, along with the Committee leaders, conducted a field visit to Ward No-31 to observe drainage obstacles and ongoing remedial actions by the City Corporation.