Chattogram not floating on water, normal as dry season: State minister
The state minister attributed the temporary waterlogging to a sudden spell of heavy rainfall, noting that some low-lying areas experienced brief water accumulation which drained quickly.
Dismissing viral claims on social media as misleading, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives State Minister Mir Shahe Alam said the representation of Chattogram city as "floating on water" does not reflect the actual situation on the ground.
Speaking to reporters after an on-site inspection at Probortok Mor last night (29 April), he said most parts of the city had returned to normal after evening.
"I say this with full respect to the media what has been circulated suggesting that Chattogram is submerged is not accurate. The situation is not like that in reality," he said.
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The state minister attributed the temporary waterlogging to a sudden spell of heavy rainfall, noting that some low-lying areas experienced brief water accumulation which drained quickly.
"Chattogram is fine, just as it was. This is by no means a situation where the city has gone underwater," he added.
He said the extent of waterlogging was limited compared to the city's overall area, adding that during his visit he observed water in stretches of only 30 to 60 feet, mostly knee-deep.
"I myself walked through the water. It was not a severe disaster scenario. Rather, it was a temporary condition that receded within a short time," he said.
According to him, most of the accumulated water had drained by late evening, and the remaining would be cleared by Thursday morning (30 April).
He said he visited the port city on instructions from the prime minister to assess the situation firsthand and identify problem areas.
"We have come to the field, observed the reality, and spoken to the stakeholders. The issues are being identified," he said.
The minister also said multiple agencies including the city corporation, development authority, WASA and the water development board are working in Chattogram, and coordination among them would be strengthened to prevent such incidents in future.
Addressing residents, he acknowledged that people may have faced some inconvenience over the past couple of days but said the situation has largely improved.
"We want to ensure that even such temporary waterlogging can be minimised during the upcoming monsoon season," he said.
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain was present during the inspection.
