BARISHAL, Bangladesh – The Barishal City Corporation (BCC) is facing severe public backlash for planning to spend over $100 million (hundred crore Taka) of taxpayer money to buy land and build a luxurious resort in the tourist hub of Kuakata.
The announcement has sparked outrage among citizens and political groups who argue that the funds should instead be used to address the city’s crippling deficiencies in basic civic services.
The Controversial Investment
• The Land Deal: The BCC issued a tender on October 19 to purchase at least 3 acres of land near the Kuakata sea beach.
• Massive Cost Estimate: BCC Property Officer Mahbubur Rahman Shakil confirmed that three bids were received, and the corporation is most interested in an 8-acre plot. Local property sources estimate that 8 acres of prime, roadside land could cost up to 120 crore Taka (over $100 million).
• BCC’s Defense: Chief Executive Officer Md. Rezaul Bari defended the plan, claiming it was approved in a general meeting on March 20 and is a “long-standing demand of employees.” He stated, “Renting the resort will increase the City Corporation’s income.”
Citizens Ask: Where is the Accountability?
Barishal residents and activists are furious, arguing that the BCC is demonstrating a fundamental failure to prioritize its citizens.
• Broken Services: Critics point out that Barishal has:
• No Modern Waste Management: Garbage is dumped in an open area across 58 square kilometres (Mohilakhola).
• Dysfunctional Water Treatment: Two crucial water treatment plants remain inoperative.
• Neglected Infrastructure: Countless roads and drainage systems are in dire need of repair.
• The ‘Luxury’ Trap: “How can the City Corporation think of such an extravagant project when the city has so many crises?” asked local resident Kazi Mizanur Rahman. “They can’t even relocate the bus terminal to reduce traffic congestion, yet they want to build a luxury resort instead of focusing on civic amenities. If they must, they should build a multi-story hotel within the city limits!”
• Legal Scrutiny: The Left Democratic Alliance of Barishal also raised legal concerns, noting that the BCC needs prior government approval to purchase land outside its municipal limits. The tender notice failed to confirm whether this approval had been secured.
Monisha Chakraborty of the District BASAD (Socialist Party) slammed the timing: “An administrator cannot spend such huge amounts on a luxury project during the time of an Interim Government, especially amid the country’s financial crisis. We demand that they immediately drop this project.”
- The residents’ message is clear: stop the extravagance and divert public funds to fixing the city’s crumbling essential services.
