The Chattogram city unit of Jamaat-e-Islami on Saturday launched a canal excavation and cleaning initiative at Birza Canal in the city.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the initiative aimed at restoring the canal to free vast areas of Bakalia from waterlogging. On the same day, the mayor also inaugurated the excavation work of the secondary section of Birza Canal initiated by the Juba Dal Baklia thana unit.

Jamaat leaders stated that they undertook this initiative out of social responsibility to reduce public suffering quickly. The excavation and cleaning works are being carried out in coordination with CCC.

As part of the initiative, Jamaat organised a public gathering at the field beside Achhi Mia Dost Building in Ishaker Pool area of Bakalia.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Dr Shahadat praised the initiative, saying, “Jamaat’s initiative is commendable. Chattogram does not belong to any single group. If everyone shows such love for the country, both the city and the nation will prosper.”

“Over the past 16 years, Chattogram has been turned into a city of waterlogging in the name of development. From now on, we will take a stricter approach,” he said.

“We will ensure proper implementation of development to free the public from suffering,” he further added.

Chattogram City Jamaat Ameer Shahjahan Chowdhury said, “We will provide maximum support to the city corporation for resolving the city’s waterlogging and other developmental activities.