Protests Erupt as Hospital Project Returns to Chittagong’s ‘Green Lungs’

Environmental activists have once again protested the proposed construction of a private hospital in the Chittagong University Railway Building (CRB) area, widely known as the “lungs” of Chattogram.

On Sunday (April 19) at around 10:30 am, the “CRB Raksha Mancha” held a human chain in the CRB area demanding the protection of trees and green space.

Speakers at the event said CRB is not an empty land but an important green zone that helps maintain the ecological balance of Chattogram city. They warned that cutting trees for a hospital project would have long-term negative impacts on residents.

They also described CRB as a heritage area and said no development project should destroy its unique character. According to them, hospitals can be built in other parts of the city without harming the environment.

The protesters urged the government to cancel the plan to build a private hospital in the CRB area and called for a reconsideration of the decision. They stressed that while development is necessary, it must not come at the cost of environmental destruction.

They added that protecting green spaces like CRB is essential to ensure a livable city for future generations.

The proposed project covers around six acres of land in the CRB area. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) took a principle decision in 2013 to implement the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Later, on February 23, 2020, the then Prime Minister gave final approval for the hospital project. On March 18, 2020, Bangladesh Railways signed an agreement with United Enterprises and Company Limited. A project signboard was installed at the site in early 2021.

The project is being planned under the Bangladesh Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPP). Bangladesh Railways is the implementing agency, while United Chittagong Hospital Limited is responsible for execution and management.

The project has faced long-standing opposition from various groups. Despite initial resistance, including a 480-day movement, the previous government had announced in 2022 that it would not proceed with the hospital project in CRB, following which the movement was suspended.

Recently, renewed discussions about reviving the project have triggered fresh protests in Chattogram.

CRB Protection Council convener Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman said CRB has been declared a heritage site and should not be used for private construction.

He said alternative locations such as the abandoned Hajj camp in Pahartoli and the TB hospital area in Kumira could be used instead.

Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, speaking separately at a canal-cleaning program in Jamalkhan, said no hospital or construction project involving tree cutting in CRB would be allowed, adding that “the people of Chattogram will not accept this.”