Gazipur city corporation’s initiatives to build planned city praised

Secretary of the Local Government Division, Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, has said the initiatives taken by Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) to transform Gazipur into a planned and traffic-free city are commendable.

He also said the government is planning to bring Gazipur under an integrated and environmentally friendly mega development project.

The secretary made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Monday (22 December) after visiting the Gazipur City Corporation headquarters and holding a meeting with officials.

Expressing satisfaction over various development initiatives undertaken by GCC, he said activities such as re-excavation of canals, modern waste management and road infrastructure development were timely, realistic and already having a positive impact on the quality of life of city residents.

He further said the government would provide financial allocations for necessary infrastructure development, including construction of guard walls, sewerage lines and water supply pipelines, to ensure the aesthetic value and long-term effectiveness of canals. The Local Government Division, he added, would work in coordination with the city corporation to ensure a healthy and liveable urban environment for residents.

The secretary also noted that the government was seriously considering bringing Gazipur under a comprehensive and eco-friendly development framework, with a focus on simplifying civic services and ensuring transparency and accountability through coordinated efforts between the administration and the city corporation.

Later in the afternoon, the secretary visited the modern sports complex built by GCC at the Himardighi area of Tongi, where he enjoyed the final of the Administrator Gold Cup Football Tournament 2025.

In the much-anticipated final match, Bason Zone-6 defeated Konabari Zone-7 by 2–0 goals to clinch the championship title. A large number of spectators were present, with the venue remaining vibrant with excitement throughout the match. The secretary handed over the trophy to the winners after the game.

The programme was presided over by Gazipur City Corporation Administrator and Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury. Special guests included Gazipur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Israil Howlader and Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alam Hossain. GCC Chief Executive Officer Md Sohel Hasan and senior officials were also present.

In his speech, Administrator Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said the modern sports complex was not only a venue for sports but also an effective means of keeping youths away from drugs and crime by promoting discipline, tolerance and team spirit. He said all development initiatives of GCC were aimed at improving people's quality of life and building a safe, clean and modern city.

Addressing the programme as chief guest, the local government secretary said sports guided youths towards a healthy and creative path, while planned urban development made everyday life more comfortable. He expressed optimism that Gazipur City Corporation's sports and development initiatives would serve as an example for future generations.

Responding to journalists' questions, GCC Administrator Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said construction of a flyover at the Joydebpur rail crossing, with support from Jica, would begin soon to ease long-standing traffic congestion. He also said funds would be allocated through a DPP project to install STS facilities in every ward to help build a cleaner city.