Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan. File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, May 13, 2025 (BSS) - Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that the problem of waterlogging in the port city is entirely man-made.

"Those who were in charge of the city and the CDA chairman in the past are responsible for creating this waterlogging. I studied at a primary school, high school, and Chattogram College in this city, but I have never seen such waterlogging before," he said.

Mentioning that canals were encroached upon to build houses, offices, and markets, the adviser said, "After taking charge, I have been working to demolish these structures and recover the canals. I want to work together with everyone."

Fouzul, also Road Transport and Bridges adviser, as the chief guest made these remarks this afternoon at a gathering after inspecting the progress of the excavation and cleaning activities of Birjakhal, funded by the Chattogram city unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.

"The biggest problem is that after excavation and cleaning, garbage is dumped into the canals again," he said, adding that if city dwellers continue to dump waste into the canals repeatedly, there is little point in cleaning these waterbodies.

"We have provided around 10,000 dustbins. From now on, you (city dwellers) must dispose of your garbage in them," he added.

"We have instructed the divisional commissioner to take legal action if garbage is not thrown into the bins by townspeople," he further said.

"We will do everything necessary to resolve waterlogging in Chattogram," he added, urging city residents to cooperate in solving the problem.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's central working committee member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury presided over the function, while Chattogram city Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain addressed the event as the main speaker.

Dr Shahadat said, "We are working with everyone to transform the city into a green and healthy one. We want to collaborate with all, regardless of party or opinion. Only then can we keep the city beautiful."

"I thank Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami for undertaking the excavation and cleaning of Birjakhal," he added.

The event was conducted by Jamaat-e-Islami Chattogram city unit General Secretary Principal Muhammad Nurul Amin. 

Among others, CDA Chairman Engineer Nourul Karim, CDA Chief Engineer Kazi Hasan Bin Shams, and CDA Board Member Engineer Manjare Khorshed Alam were present.