‘Public participation key to building planned, sustainable Khulna’

KHULNA, July 11: Speakers at a discussion titled "KDA and People's Vision for Rebuilding Tomorrow's Khulna" on Saturday stressed that active public participation is the cornerstone of developing a planned, modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable city.

They said Khulna should be transformed into a smart green city through planned housing, efficient drainage and waste management systems, and enhanced green spaces while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The discussion was held at the auditorium of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner's office in the city.
Speakers noted that Khulna is not only a regional city but also the economic, social and cultural hub of the country's south-western region.

They said the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) has played a significant role over the years in shaping the city's growth from an industrial centre into a modern urban area.

Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's election pledge to ensure greater public ownership of state institutions, the speakers said the meeting was organised not merely to present KDA's future plans but also to incorporate citizens' aspirations, expectations and opinions into the city's development process.

They envisioned a greater Khulna with improved transport connectivity, planned residential areas, effective drainage and waste management, and a greener urban environment capable of meeting future environmental and climate challenges.

A presentation highlighting KDA's ongoing development initiatives and future plans was also made during the programme.
KDA Chairman Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona presided over the meeting, while Khulna-1 lawmaker Amir Ejaz Khan attended it as the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, the MP said no government or institutional plan can achieve its full potential without meaningful public participation.

He said the suggestions and opinions received from distinguished citizens at the open discussion would play an important role in formulating KDA's future development strategies.

Among others, Khulna City Corporation Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju, Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdullah Harun, Khulna Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman, Khulna Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Zahid Hasan, Khulna University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan, Khulna Zila Parishad Administrator SM Monirul Hasan Bappi, Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Md Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, former Khulna City Mayor Mohammad Moniruzzaman Moni and Khulna Press Club President Mostafa Sarwar spoke at the programme.
KDA Chief Engineer Kazi Md Sabirul Alam presented the authority's development plans.