Active public participation is essential to building a planned, modern, environmentally friendly and sustainable Khulna, speakers said at a discussion in the city today. They stressed that citizens must be involved in shaping the city's future development, saying public engagement is the foundation for creating a smart, green and climate-resilient Khulna.
Discussion Highlights
The discussion, titled "KDA and People's Vision for Rebuilding Tomorrow's Khulna," was held at the auditorium of the Khulna Divisional Commissioner's Office. Speakers said Khulna should be developed through planned housing, improved transport connectivity, efficient drainage and waste management systems, and expanded green spaces to address future environmental and climate challenges.
KDA's Role and Future Plans
They described Khulna as the economic, social and cultural hub of the country's south-western region and noted that the Khulna Development Authority (KDA) has played a significant role in transforming the city from an industrial centre into a modern urban area. A presentation on KDA's ongoing development projects and future plans was delivered by KDA Chief Engineer Kazi Md Sabirul Alam.
Public Ownership and Engagement
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment to strengthening public ownership of state institutions, they said the discussion was organised not only to present KDA's future development plans but also to incorporate citizens' opinions, expectations and aspirations into the planning process.
Key Speakers
Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Khulna-1 lawmaker Amir Ejaz Khan said no government or institutional initiative can achieve its full potential without meaningful public participation. He expressed hope that the recommendations and opinions shared by participants would help formulate KDA's future development strategies. KDA Chairman Advocate SM Shafiqul Alam Mona chaired the programme.
Other Notable Speakers
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 also spoke.
