Teknaf Municipality at 26: Civic amenities still remain elusive
Nurul Kaiser Jewel, Teknaf (Cox's Bazar)
Despite its strategic location as a key border trade center and tourism gateway to Saint Martin, Teknaf Municipality continues to struggle with fundamental civic issues 26 years after its establishment in 2000. Once envisioned as a modern coastal city, residents report that the town functions more like an unplanned bazaar, plagued by neglected infrastructure and poor public management.
Public toilets constructed near key points remain locked due to staffing shortages, causing severe inconvenience to locals and visiting tourists. Similarly, solar streetlights installed along major roads are non-functional due to damaged batteries, broken panels, and a total lack of routine maintenance.
The absence of a designated daily market has forced vendors to occupy sidewalks and main roads, triggering severe traffic congestion and unsanitary conditions from dumped organic waste. Meanwhile, stagnant drainage and a lack of regular spraying drives have sparked fears of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, despite the municipality owning fogging equipment.
With the UNO currently serving as the acting administrator, residents question whether sufficient time can be dedicated to municipal oversight. Calls are growing to enforce accountability among long-standing staff and for district authorities to inspect operations, clear budget records, and restore basic civic services.
