Development projects transforming Kamalganj municipality

Kamalganj Municipality in Moulvibazar district is undergoing a visible transformation as a result of a series of people-centric development initiatives taken by the municipal administration.

Markets and municipal wards, once neglected, are now seeing new life thanks to ongoing infrastructure improvements and innovative revenue-generating projects.

With support from local entrepreneurs, new semi-permanent shop units have been constructed in various areas of the municipality, particularly at Bhanugach Bazar.

These shops, built at the initiative and expense of local traders, are being leased by the municipality, thereby creating a steady source of monthly rental income and boosting municipal revenue.

Leading this transformation is Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Municipal Administrator, Makhan Chandra Sutradhar, who has been tirelessly working to bring about sustainable change in Kamalganj.

According to municipal sources, under the Local Government Division’s EGDPP project, Department of Public Health Engineering constructed drains and concrete slabs over open canals on both sides of Bhanugach Bazar in December 2023.

The initiative, originally planned under former mayor Md. Jewel Ahmed, aimed to pave the way for building shop units on these newly covered areas. This would allow the municipality to rent out the shops and generate ongoing revenue.

However, after the construction of the culverts and slabs, the areas remained unprotected, leading to illegal dumping and encroachment by vendors.

In response, the municipality decided to allow semi-permanent shops to be built under lease agreements, ensuring the space would be protected and revenue could be generated.

Recently, a group with vested interests has begun spreading misinformation and false allegations on social media, attempting to discredit the municipal authority’s efforts.

These individuals are allegedly displeased at being unable to exploit the situation for personal gain.

Despite this, local business leaders and traders have expressed strong support for the municipality’s initiatives.

Entrepreneurs like Kazi Mamunur Rashid, Abu Taleb, and Arman Hossain Dulon praised the administration’s vision, stating that if such steps had been taken earlier, the appearance of Bhanugach Bazar would have changed long ago.

They believe that once all shops are operational, Kamalganj could attract traders from across the country, increasing both commercial activity and government revenue.

Several individuals; including shop owners Rajon, Parvez, Shuvo, Bulbul and Muktadir, confirmed they built their shops with their own funding after applying to the municipality.

They will pay monthly rent to the municipality, contributing to local government income. They condemned the false propaganda being spread online and insisted such tactics would not succeed.

President of Bhanugach Bazar Business Association and former chairman of Kamalganj Sadar Union, Golam Kibria Shafi, said the construction of the shops was carried out with the help of local entrepreneurs and the business association.

He added that the initiative benefits not just traders but also the municipality in terms of increased revenue.

Shafi also praised the current municipal administrator for his prompt response to citizens’ problems and said the projects undertaken were long-standing demands of the people.

Assistant Engineer of Kamalganj Municipality, Muhammad Belal Ahmad, noted that the new constructions have significantly changed the appearance of Bhanugach Bazar, which previously suffered from poor infrastructure. These shops will now serve as a valuable income source for the municipality.

He cited the Bangladesh Gazette (Extraordinary), October 6, 2009, which under clause 44-1(a) allows a municipality to manage, maintain and develop its properties and under 44-2(b), authorizes the municipality to enhance any property acquired through government or other sources.

Municipal Administrator Makhan Chandra Sutradhar said he is driven by a sense of responsibility to the people and is committed to continuing his work for the development of Kamalganj Municipality and the welfare of its residents for as long as he holds office.

He also called for continued public support in achieving these goals.