Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Oct 31, 2025 (BSS) - Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain has warned that legal action will be taken against individuals illegally encroaching on Patenga sea beach and conducting business activities despite repeated warnings.

Speaking after leading an eviction drive in the area today, the mayor stressed that Patenga beach is a key asset of Chattogram, attracting both local and international tourists. 

He urged everyone to help maintain its cleanliness and natural beauty.

Dr. Shahadat highlighted that businesses cannot occupy public walkways by setting up tables, umbrellas, or other structures. He also cited complaints that some tourists are pressured to buy food or pay extra charges. 

The mayor warned that any activity harming the beach's cultural or geographical integrity will face strict action.

He added that adequate food options are available at shops behind the beach, making it unnecessary to build hotels or permanent structures on the sand. 

The mayor said he has spoken to shopkeepers, who agreed to keep the beach accessible to the public. Legal action will be enforced against repeat encroachers, he said, despite ongoing awareness campaigns and magistrate-led drives.

Dr. Shahadat announced that the CCC will coordinate with the district administration, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), and tourist police to tackle the issue. 

Prior to the enforcement drive, he participated in a UNDP-led program to raise awareness on single-use plastic pollution.

UNDP Bangladesh Assistant Resident Representative Sardar M. Asaduzzaman highlighted the environmental importance of Patenga, noting that Bangladesh generates around 800,000 tons of plastic waste annually, with Chattogram alone producing about 3,000 tons daily. 

Much of this waste ends up in the Karnaphuli River and the Bay of Bengal, threatening biodiversity and coastal communities.

The program is part of UNDP Bangladesh's "Plastic Circularity Project," supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation, which aims to recover and manage 15,000 tons of plastic waste in Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and Tangail districts, turning plastic pollution into a recyclable resource.