Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, June 17, 2026 (BSS) - The newly appointed Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman, Engineer Belayet Hossain said that three major development projects-the waterlogging mitigation project, the elevated expressway and the Kalurghat-Chaktai connecting road along the Karnaphuli riverbank-are expected to be completed by December this year.

He said that following completion, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the projects while city residents will begin to experience their benefits even earlier.

The CDA Chairman made the remarks during an introductory meeting with officials held at the CDA conference room on this morning. He joined the office for his first working day at 9 am, where he was welcomed by CDA officials and employees with flowers.

Speaking at the meeting, Engineer Belayet Hossain said the CDA carries the hopes and aspirations of the people of Chattogram and its goal is to transform the port city into a more planned and aesthetically improved urban area by overcoming existing challenges. 

He stressed the need for cooperation, sincerity and dedication from all officials and employees to achieve this objective.

He also noted that many CDA officials have personal ties with the district, as Chattogram is their home, and urged them to go beyond routine administrative duties and take a proactive role in city development. "This city belongs to us and we all have responsibilities toward it," he said.

Highlighting current priorities, he said the main challenge is to accelerate the implementation of ongoing projects. 

He assured that necessary steps would be taken to resolve waterlogging and speed up work on the elevated expressway project. He also said he would soon conduct field inspections of the projects.

Reiterating his stance against corruption, the CDA Chairman said he would not engage in any corrupt practices and urged officials to remain vigilant against irregularities.

He further emphasized stronger coordination among different agencies, noting that infrastructure-related issues, including obstacles involving Power Development Board (PDB) pylons, often delay development work.

He said such issues would be addressed in coordination with relevant authorities, including the Chattogram City Corporation and other service agencies.

Issuing a strict warning against encroachment, he said illegal occupation of government land, canals or drains would not be tolerated, regardless of political identity and action would be taken against all violators.

CDA full-time member Mohammad Nurullah Nuri, Chief Engineer Ahmed Anwarul Nazrul, Secretary Mohammad Mahbubul Karim, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.

Earlier in the morning, the newly appointed chairman visited the shrine of Shah Sufi Hazrat Amanat Shah (RA).