Proposed Cox’s Bazar City Corporation to Expand by 169.64 Sq Km: Tax, Development, and Revenue

The formal process to upgrade Cox’s Bazar into a city corporation has advanced with a public notice issued by the district administration to transform the existing municipality. The proposed city corporation will span approximately 169.64 square kilometers, incorporating the current municipality alongside specific areas and 12 mauzas from five adjacent unions.

Signed by Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan on August 31, the notice outlines designated areas including 32.90 square kilometers from the municipality, 20 square kilometers from Jhilongja, 23.67 square kilometers from Khurushkul, and 27.25 square kilometers from PM Khali. It also covers 18 square kilometers from Dakshin Mithachhari and 47.82 square kilometers from Khuniapalong, with the total population estimated at roughly 1.08 million.

The directive was issued following instructions from the Local Government Division’s City Corporation-2 Branch dated August 12, adhering to Sub-rule (2) of Rule 5 of the Local Government (City Corporation) Establishment Rules, 2010. An earlier administrative report detailing size, population, and municipal data was prepared and signed by Assistant Engineer Romel Barua, Chief Executive Officer Md. Adnan Chowdhury, and Administrator Md. Shamim Al Imran.

The notice states that any individual with objections or opinions concerning the proposed boundaries may submit them in writing to the Deputy Commissioner within 30 days, as no submissions will be accepted past the deadline. Detailed information regarding mauzas and plot numbers has also been made public to ensure transparency throughout the evaluation process.

Addressing local discussions, Deputy Commissioner Md. A. Mannan explained that incorporation shifts responsibilities for roads, infrastructure, and civic services to the city corporation while introducing designated fees, holding taxes, and revenue obligations. He stressed that public welfare remains the priority over specific local interests when evaluating areas like Ramu, Khurushkul, Baharchhara, and Dakshin Mithachhari.

Cox’s Bazar-3 MP Lutfur Rahman Kajol welcomed stakeholder interest but cautioned that civic amenities must not increase financial burdens on farmers and marginalized populations. Pointing out that other major cities expanded in phases, he emphasized protecting livelihoods, arable land, salt pans, and fish enclosures from being compromised during boundary finalization.