Minister for Housing and Public Works Zakaria Taher. File photo

CHATTOGRAM, May 21, 2026 (BSS) - Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher today said major development projects in Chattogram, including the waterlogging mitigation scheme and elevated expressway, are expected to be completed by December this year.

The projects, involving investments worth thousands of crores of taka, have remained under implementation for the last eight to ten years. The minister said completion of the projects is essential to ensure full benefits for the city residents.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) at the CDA office this afternoon. CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim was present at the meeting.

Zakaria Taher said around 90 to 95 percent of the major projects in Chattogram have already been completed, but some pending minor works are preventing people from getting the desired benefits.

He said his main objective during the visit to Chattogram is to resolve the remaining issues quickly.

The minister said he had discussed the matter with Chattogram WASA authorities, who assured him that their portion of the work would be completed by June 30.

He also said the construction of the flyover ramp, earlier scheduled for completion in December, has now been expedited and is expected to be finished by September.

Referring to the waterlogging mitigation project, the minister said the 34th Engineering Construction Brigade (34 ECB) of the Bangladesh Army has completed about 95 percent of the work.

He expressed hope that city dwellers would begin to experience the benefits of the project during the upcoming monsoon season.

Replying to a question about concerns over fragmented implementation of the CDA's waterlogging projects, the minister said Chattogram City Corporation and CDA are jointly working on 21 small canals and any shortcomings would be addressed promptly.

The minister also reiterated the government's strict stance against unauthorized building construction, warning that there would be "zero tolerance" for violations of approved building plans.

He said earlier only architectural drawings were required for approval, but the government has now introduced a comprehensive approval process involving architectural, structural, electromechanical and plumbing plans.

Zakaria Taher said no occupancy certificate would be issued for buildings constructed in violation of approved designs and utility services like gas, electricity and water connections would not be provided without such certificates.

Regarding past violations of building regulations, the minister said the present government would examine ways to take legal action against offenders.

Earlier in the day, the minister visited and inspected several ongoing development projects in Chattogram city.