Strategic Urban Expansion for a Modern Cumilla
At a recent seminar held in Cumilla, experts and officials emphasized the urgent need for planned urban expansion to address the growing challenges faced by the city. The event, titled “Amar Swapna, Amar Cumilla: Action Plan for Building a Modern, Livable City,” was organized by Cumilla Bachao Mancha and Somvabonamoy Bangladesh. It took place at the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD) in Kotbari and brought together various stakeholders to discuss ways to transform Cumilla into a modern and livable city.
The discussions highlighted the critical role that Cumilla plays in Bangladesh’s economy, transportation, and regional connectivity. Speakers argued that reimagining Cumilla as a modern alternative city could be a “game changer” for the country. However, they also pointed out the existing civic challenges, such as traffic congestion, waterlogging, unplanned urbanization, environmental pollution, and weak communication systems.
Key Proposals for Sustainable Development
One of the central proposals presented during the seminar was an 11-point long-term development plan aimed at transforming Cumilla into a divisional, commercial, and communication hub. The plan was introduced by Cumilla-6 lawmaker Monirul Haque Chowdhury, who stressed the importance of coordinated and forward-looking development strategies.
Md Mehedi Hasan, a masterplan development expert and JICA consultant, delivered the keynote presentation, outlining the vision for a more structured urban environment. Prof Dr MM Shariful Karim moderated the session, while the lawmaker concluded with remarks on the significance of the proposed initiatives.
Other participants included Mohammad Nazrul Islam, a Senior Transport Specialist from the Asian Development Bank, and Muhaimin Shahriar, an architect and member of the environment and urbanisation committee of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh. Their contributions added depth to the discussion on sustainable urban planning.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Initiatives
The proposed plan includes the development of a “Dr Akhter Hameed Khan Satellite City” centered around BARD, Kotbari, and Kalir Bazar areas. This initiative aims to ease population pressure on the main city and promote planned urbanization. Additionally, the plan proposes the establishment of a modern eco-tourism park in the Lalmai hill area, which could boost local tourism and economic activity.
To tackle traffic congestion, the speakers emphasized the introduction of a modern mass transit system. They also suggested constructing a direct rail link between Dhaka and Cumilla, building an elevated expressway on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway, and developing flyovers, underpasses, and service lanes at key intersections. A new bridge over the Gomti River and the development of alternative road networks were also proposed to improve connectivity.
Governance and Environmental Reforms
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the speakers called for broader urban governance reforms. These include upgrading Cumilla into a full-fledged division, expanding the city corporation area, and establishing a Cumilla Development Authority and WASA serving the municipality. They also proposed reopening the British-era Cumilla airport with international cargo facilities, which could transform the city into a major commercial hub in the southeastern region.
Environmental protection was another key focus of the discussion. The need for effective effluent treatment plants (ETPs) in EPZ areas was highlighted to control industrial waste and safeguard farmers and aquatic resources. This would ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability.
A Vision for the Future
The speakers expressed optimism that with planned urbanization, improved transport systems, and environmentally sustainable development, Cumilla could emerge as one of the country’s most modern and economically vibrant metropolitan cities in the future. The seminar underscored the importance of proactive planning and collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve this vision.
