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Published : 29 Apr 2026, 02:02 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on members of parliament to take the initiative in raising public awareness to solve waterlogging problems.
On Wednesday, he responsed to a point of order raised by Saeed Al Noman of the Chattogram-10 constituency regarding Chattogram city facing severe waterlogging and the suffering of its residents.
He said, “Since yesterday, I have also seen through the news media that due to heavy rainfall, a large section of Chattogram city has been waterlogged and people are suffering. This problem is not limited to Chattogram; it has spread across the country. Even in Dhaka, there are places where rainwater cannot drain out properly because drains are blocked, causing waterlogging.”
“This is a long-standing problem. A politician who was also an expert in this matter was the late president Ziaur Rahman, who created water reservoirs through canal excavation across Bangladesh and reduced flooding and waterlogging. We need to return to that kind of work again. We have already started canal excavation programmes. In urban areas, the problem is occurring because lakes, drains, large canals, and waterways inside the cities are being blocked. We use many things such as plastic bottles and polythene bags, and through careless disposal we clog these canals and water bodies.”
The prime minister said, “The government is trying to clean these drains. Several have already been cleaned in Dhaka, but then within seven to 10 days we see them blocked again by people carelessly throwing waste into them. Saiful Alam, the honourable member of parliament from Dhaka-12, is present. This problem exists in his area as well. He discussed this matter with me a few days ago. I have also spoken with MPs from other areas. This is a major problem. The government is taking initiatives and will take more [in this regard].”
“At the same time, all members of parliament are present here, and I have a humble request to all of you: let us raise public awareness. Through increased awareness, this problem can be significantly reduced. By developing public opinion and awareness, we can solve much of this problem.”
He added that there is an increase of public awareness on how to reduce the use of plastic bottles, polythene, and similar materials that block drains, canals, and waterways, or how to properly dispose of them after use. The government is taking initiatives in this regard, the prime minister.
“We, as members of parliament, have a moral responsibility to make the people aware of this issue.”
Regarding the waterlogging in Chattogram, the prime minister said: “I would like to tell the honourable member of parliament that I have already spoken with the mayor of the Chattogram City Corporation. He is already trying (to solve the problem).”
“But now it has become a major waterlogging situation. Naturally, it will take some time. For this suffering, from my position, I sincerely express regret to all the citizens living in Chattogram city. We are trying, as quickly as possible, to free people from this suffering.”
The parliamentary session began at 11:00am led by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
