‘One City, Two Town’: State minister eyes renewable energy, bird sanctuary and recreation park for Ctg

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin today (14 November) said he would discuss a proposed “One City, Two Town” concept for Chattogram with the prime minister, which envisages renewable energy facilities, a bird sanctuary, and a recreation park.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme marking two years since Shahadat Hossain took charge as Chattogram City Corporation administrator, at the International Convention Centre in Kazir Dewri, Chattogram.

Helal said the city corporation administrator had discussed the “One City, Two Town” concept with him. If implemented, the plan could help create better facilities for city residents, including renewable energy facilities, a bird sanctuary and a recreation park.

“I will discuss the matter in detail with the prime minister. I hope that, if the initiative is implemented, we will be able to deliver something positive for the people of Chattogram, particularly city residents,” he said.

The state minister called on Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and the district council to work together to accelerate the city’s development.

He said the city corporation administrator alone could not resolve all the city’s problems. Government agencies, public representatives and political leaders needed to work together, while relevant departments should sit together and make joint decisions to address urban problems.

On the issue of hawkers occupying footpaths, the state minister stressed the need to arrange their rehabilitation before evicting them.

He said footpaths needed to be freed from encroachment, but hawkers should not be deprived of their livelihoods.

The relevant authorities should discuss and decide where to relocate them, he said, adding that this would help protect their livelihoods while ensuring convenient movement for city residents.

Highlighting the city’s parking problems, the state minister said parking tickets were being issued in different areas despite inadequate parking spaces.

Proper arrangements for parking vehicles should be ensured before fees were collected from citizens, he said.

Helal also called for better publicity of development activities in Chattogram.

He said nearly Tk100 crore worth of development work had been completed in two wards under his parliamentary constituency during Shahadat Hossain’s tenure as city corporation administrator. However, information about the projects had not reached the public adequately.

He urged party leaders and activists to use social media to highlight the government’s development activities.

Initiatives undertaken by the CCC, CDA and district council should also be brought to public attention, he added.

The state minister further said discussions had been held with the prime minister on expediting major public welfare projects for Chattogram.

Once implemented, the projects would benefit not only city residents but also people across the district’s 16 parliamentary constituencies, he added.

He also encouraged citizens to use the land ministry’s digital app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, to access various land-related services from home.