Chittagong Master Plan Draft Finalized; Public Feedback Opens Sunday

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has finalized the draft of the Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan 2025–2050, a long-term blueprint aimed at developing the city into a planned, sustainable and modern metropolitan area.

The CDA will accept public comments and objections for 60 days, from August 2 through September 30, before finalizing the plan.

CDA Chairman Engineer Md. Belayet Hossain outlined the draft at a news conference Saturday. He said public input would be reviewed before the final plan is approved.

The plan covers about 1,255 square kilometers, including all 41 wards of Chattogram City Corporation as well as adjoining municipalities and upazilas. The project has an estimated cost of Tk 3,587.88 crore and is being funded by the government.

Physical progress on the project is currently about 90%, with completion expected by December, according to the CDA.

The master plan identifies 276 development projects across 19 sectors, including land use, transportation, drainage, environmental protection, housing and economic development. The transport sector accounts for 101 projects, while 21 projects focus on improving drainage.

Residents can submit their comments and objections in person at the CDA office or through the authority's digital Web-GIS platform from August 2 to September 30.

The plan proposes a polycentric growth model to reduce pressure on the main city. It also includes a separate action-area plan for Anwara as part of the “One City, Two Towns” concept centered on the Karnaphuli Tunnel.

To address waterlogging, the plan proposes digging 30.4 kilometers of new canals within the city and 111.3 kilometers across the wider metropolitan area.

It also recommends measures such as Transfer of Development Rights (TDR), Guided Land Development and a tripartite model to protect landowners' interests during development.

Belayet said this is Chattogram's fourth master plan, following plans prepared in 1961, 1995 and 2008.

“People living in an area understand its problems best,” he said, adding that the CDA would consider reasonable public suggestions before finalizing the plan.

The CDA chairman also said past development had damaged the city's hills and natural environment. Under the new approach, buildings that violate approved designs will face enforcement measures, including disconnection of utility services under the applicable law.

He said a committee involving the ministries responsible for home affairs, law and information had been formed to coordinate enforcement.

The CDA has also given illegally operated hospitals and educational institutions in residential areas one month to address issues contributing to traffic congestion. Legal action will follow if they fail to comply within the deadline, he said.

Belayet said coordinated action by all relevant service agencies could help transform Chattogram into a greener, safer and internationally competitive metropolitan city.