State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam claimed that Chattogram did not experience waterlogging but only temporary water congestion caused by sudden rainfall. He made the statement while inspecting the city’s waterlogging mitigation project and excavated canals. His remarks drew widespread criticism on social media since Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s heavy rains had submerged low-lying areas, prompting discussions even in the national parliament. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had earlier expressed regret to Chattogram residents over the situation.

During his visit to the city’s most affected area, Probortok Mor, the minister expressed anger at media reports highlighting the flooding and insisted that no water was visible in the city. When Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain attempted to speak, the minister reportedly stopped him in a stern tone. The incident, captured on video, spread widely online and sparked further criticism.

Senior officials from the City Corporation and Chattogram Development Authority were present during the inspection, which took place after the rain had subsided and water levels had receded.