Chattogram city not “floating on water”: state minister

State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahidul Alam said Chattogram city is not “floating on water”, dismissing claims circulating on social media.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (April 29) evening after visiting the waterlogged area at Probartak Mor.

“There was some temporary waterlogging due to canal construction work, but most of the has already been drained,” he said. “I personally walked through the area. The remaining water will clear by tomorrow morning.”

The minister said heavy rainfall before the monsoon caused brief , worsened by ongoing work on the Hijra canal. A temporary steel barrier, installed for construction, slowed water flow.

He added that 36 canals in the city were handed over to the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) for renovation. Of these, work on 30 canals has been completed, while five are near completion. The remaining canals, including the one at Probartak Mor, are still under construction.

According to the minister, the Army’s Engineering Corps is implementing the project, which has faced multiple deadline extensions since 2016. The current deadline runs until 2026.

“We have asked the to remove the within five days so that normal water flow can resume,” he said. “After the monsoon, full repair work will continue.”

He acknowledged that residents faced short-term inconvenience but said the situation is now under control.

Addressing public concerns, the minister noted that multiple agencies operate in the city, including CDA, City Corporation, WASA and the Water Development Board.

“People often hold the mayor responsible for , but different are involved,” he said.

He also said a meeting will be held with to prevent future waterlogging during the monsoon.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain was present during the visit.