Ctg City Corporation, army to build international-standard hospital

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) and the Bangladesh Army will jointly build an international-standard hospital in the port city to provide quality healthcare at affordable costs for the general public.

The announcement was made yesterday (30 December) during the seventh general meeting of the committee formed to ensure smooth operations of the city corporation, held at the CCC headquarters in Tigerpass. The mayor presided over the meeting.

The session began with a one-minute silence and prayers seeking eternal peace for former prime minister and BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

The meeting approved a land exchange between CCC and the army for the hospital project. Under the agreement, CCC will lease 8 acres of land on FIDC Road in Kalurghat for 99 years, while the army will lease 2.8612 acres at Alamsah Katgar under the Dampaara area to CCC for the same duration. Additionally, three acres at Kazir Dewri Children's Park have been allocated to CCC for 30 years strictly for park use.

The mayor said Kazir Dewri Children's Park would soon reopen, fulfilling a long-standing demand of residents. He emphasised that the park will remain green, open, and free from permanent structures or commercial establishments, providing walking areas and recreational spaces for children.

Regarding the hospital, the mayor noted that army-run hospitals in Dhaka and other areas are known for high standards. "Chattogram urgently needs such a facility," he said, adding that the memorandum of understanding ensures international-standard treatment at low cost for ordinary citizens.

The mayor also announced a mass dog vaccination programme, planning to vaccinate around 12,000 dogs citywide from 5 to 9 January.

He outlined plans for the Kalurghat land, including an ICT building, a large commercial market, and a possible Chinatown-style development, which could boost CCC revenue and support urban development.

The meeting also approved the acquisition of three educational institutions: Patharghata Girls' High School, Baklia Adarsha Girls' High School, and Jalkhili National Housing Authority High School. The mayor said subsidies for education and health have been increased to help develop skilled human resources, though CCC's current finances are insufficient to fully ensure citizens' rights in these areas.

To strengthen funding, CCC will intensify revenue collection from Bangladesh Railway, Chattogram Port Authority, oil companies, large industries, and corporate bodies. The mayor highlighted a major shortfall in holding tax from Chattogram Port, where CCC collects only Tk45 crore annually instead of Tk264 crore. Allegedly, illegal tolls at the port reach Tk2–2.5 crore per day, or around Tk720 crore a year, depriving the city corporation of its lawful municipal taxes. A joint survey is ongoing to determine actual tax liabilities.

The mayor also raised concerns about road infrastructure, noting that most city roads are designed for 10-tonne loads, but port vehicles often carry 20–35 tonnes, causing severe damage and costing CCC Tk400–500 crore annually for repairs. Proper tax collection could fund sustainable road maintenance and improve port operations.

Other development issues discussed included upgrading primary roads, modernising and greening open spaces, re-excavating 21 city canals, introducing a smart traffic system, and constructing underpasses with commercial spaces at key junctions.