Chattogram Development Authority is preparing a new 25-year masterplan after about 80 percent of the city’s two previous plans remained unimplemented, according to the report published on August 4, 2026. CDA said 87 percent of work on the project had been completed. The proposal would combine the city’s 41 wards with five municipalities, two upazilas and parts of six other upazilas.

The 1961 and 1995 plans called for protecting hills, farmland, water bodies and green areas, while building roads, bus terminals and railway overbridges. Research and environmental groups cited in the report say about 120 hills have disappeared over three decades and 23,000 ponds have been lost in the past two decades. At least 500 buildings have been constructed over canals, the report said.

The plan is budgeted at Tk35.88 crore and proposes 276 projects across 19 sectors. It includes conservation of hills, water bodies and the Karnaphuli River, alongside a “One City Two Town” concept to reduce pressure on the city. Urban experts called for legal reforms, increased CDA staffing and coordination among agencies. CDA Chairman Belayet Hossain said all would be required to follow building laws and agencies would work in coordination.