Special Interview with Saif Uddin Ahmed, Administrator, Comilla City Corporation
Comilla City Corporation is an autonomous institution responsible for the development and maintenance of the Comilla metropolitan area—a megacity comprising 27 wards over approximately 53.04 km², with over one million residents. Formerly, the region was administered by two municipalities: Comilla Paurashava and Comilla Sadar South Paurashava. On 10 July 2011, the Ministry of Local Government of Bangladesh issued a decree merging them into a single city corporation. Regularly serving such a vast population is undoubtedly a major challenge.
On 5 August 2024, Saif Uddin Ahmed (Additional Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh), Director General of the Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development (BARD), took office as the city’s Administrator. This interview explores how he has navigated multifaceted challenges in leading the City Corporation. The conversation was conducted by Md. Imam Hossain, Country Editor of Asian State’s Bangladesh chapter, along with Deputy Country Editor S.H. Masum Mazumdar.
✳️ Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities
Asian State: What was the biggest challenge after you took the helm of Comilla City Corporation?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Upon assuming the position, the foremost challenge was ensuring uninterrupted citizen services and restoring operational momentum. While public expectations are continually rising, limitations in existing infrastructure, staffing, and resources often hamper our ability to meet them. Hence, we needed to simplify and make services transparent through modern technology, and establish accountability among departments and employees—a tough but essential task.
Asian State: As Chief Administrator, what does your daily routine look like?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Each morning begins with an office briefing, where department heads report on ongoing projects, challenges, and progress. We then review citizen complaints and proposals, and take swift action. I personally visit field sites as my schedule allows—inspecting roads under construction, drainage systems, health centers, etc. Daily, I also participate in meetings, planning sessions, and administrative decision-making. Above all, I strive to ensure no moment is lost in improving citizens’ quality of life.
Asian State: How do you coordinate development activities across various wards of the City Corporation?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: I believe success in development hinges on transparent planning and consistent execution. We assess each ward’s specific needs and develop targeted projects accordingly. Regular coordination meetings are held with ward representatives, who bring forward local demands. Then departments—engineering, health, sanitation, etc.—assemble to outline implementation plans. Each project is given a timeline; we monitor progress and intervene promptly if needed.
✳️ Citizen Services and Digital Innovation
Asian State: Which municipal service do you consider most important for Comilla residents?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: In my view, cleanliness and waste management are paramount, as they directly affect public health, the environment, and overall urban living standards. From household garbage collection to drainage cleaning, if not managed properly, urban life suffers. Hence, we prioritize this service above all.
Asian State: Which City Corporation service is currently in highest demand?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Birth and death registration and trade licenses are currently in the highest demand. Citizens are consistently approaching us—both online and in person—for these services. We’ve observed that these are vital for their personal and professional lives, and demand has surged significantly as a result.
Asian State: What is the biggest challenge in delivering services to citizens?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: The primary challenge is ensuring balanced use of manpower and technology. At times, a shortage of skilled staff or technological limitations delays prompt service delivery. Additionally, some citizens lack digital literacy, which complicates service access. To address these, we emphasize training, infrastructure improvements, and service simplification.
Asian State: What steps have you taken to enhance service accessibility via digital platforms?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We’ve launched a range of online services. Birth/death registration, trade licenses, tax payments, and sanitary certificates can now be processed through our website, email, and verified social media pages. Officers are receiving regular IT training. We are planning to establish a “One-Stop Service Center” where multiple services can be accessed under one roof. Additionally, we’re developing a mobile app to make services even more accessible.
✳️ Youth Engagement and Digital Services
Asian State: What is your approach to involving youth in urban development?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: I believe youth are the driving force of our city’s future. Their innovative ideas, technological skills, and enthusiastic participation can significantly accelerate civic development. We already engage youth in awareness programs and cleanliness drives. I want them to be co-creators of services—not merely users—participating in city governance, offering feedback, and ensuring systems are accountable.
Asian State: How far has the City Corporation’s digitalization progressed?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We are currently at an active initial stage of digital service adoption. We’re rolling out online services for trade licenses, birth/death registration, tax payments, and complaint filing. Our official website and portals enable citizens to access information from home. Internally, file management, data storage, and monitoring systems are being digitized step by step.
Asian State: Do you have any plans for developing a “Smart City”?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Absolutely. Building a Smart City is no longer aspirational—it’s a need. We aim to transform Comilla into a clean, safe, tech-integrated, and environmentally sustainable metropolis. Proposed initiatives include a smart traffic system, CCTV-based security, digital citizen help desk, IoT-enabled waste management, and data-driven development planning. We also plan to launch a “Digital City Lab” to work with young innovators on new solutions.
✳️ Environment, Culture, and Heritage
Asian State: What steps has the City Corporation taken to preserve Comilla’s historical and cultural heritage?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Comilla is rich in historical and cultural legacy—Mainamati, Shalban Vihara, Dhamrasagar, BARD, and the memorials of Nazrul and Tagore all fill us with pride. Preserving these cultural assets is a vital duty. We’ve beautified and cleaned the surroundings of these historical sites, making them more visitor-friendly. We also collaborate with local cultural groups and educational institutions to host festivals and exhibitions, aiming not only to preserve the heritage but also to share it with the next generation.
Asian State: What plans are in place to tackle climate change and environmental challenges in the city?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Climate change is a current reality. Comilla faces issues like flooding, rising temperatures, and air pollution. We’ve launched several measures: developing sustainable drainage systems, planting trees across the city, creating green open spaces, eco-friendly waste management, and encouraging reusable materials among citizens. We are also working on a “Green Master Plan” to integrate environmental conservation firmly into our development strategy.
✳️ Cleanliness and Waste Management
Asian State: What technologies or systems are employed for daily waste management?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We follow a modern, systematic method of collecting household and commercial waste. Municipal sanitation workers collect waste from each ward on a schedule and transport it to designated transfer stations. We are installing CCTV surveillance at every secondary waste station to ensure proper monitoring and compliance. Additionally, plans are underway to establish a modern waste processing facility to convert waste into reusable resources.
Asian State: Are there special initiatives to reduce plastic waste and environmental pollution?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Plastic waste poses a significant environmental threat. We’re actively addressing this through regular awareness campaigns and declaring “No Plastic Zones” in schools, markets, and densely populated areas. We also initiated recycling programs and established pilot “Plastic Exchange Points,” where citizens can exchange plastic for useful items.
Asian State: What new initiatives have been taken to improve city cleanliness and waste management?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We have formed “Ward-Based Cleanliness Teams” to conduct regular monitoring and garbage removal. A “Cleanliness Hotline” has been introduced to streamline citizen complaints. We’re also planning a “Cleanliness Ambassador” program to involve students—building a new generation of responsible citizens.
Asian State: Could you share updates on road, water, and drainage projects in progress or in planning?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Several major development projects are underway: reconstruction and widening of major roads, installation of LED street lights, modern drainage systems, and renovation of water supply lines. Looking ahead, we plan to implement an integrated “Drainage Master Plan” to reduce flooding and improve water flow. Additionally, we aim to ensure potable water access in every ward and build underground drainage networks.
✳️ Health, Safety, and Emergency Services
Asian State: What initiatives have you taken to provide accessible healthcare for low-income city residents?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We have launched special measures to make healthcare accessible to low-income residents within the City Corporation’s jurisdiction. Regular health camps are held in each ward, offering free medical services and medicines. We operate maternity care centers and health clinics for women and children. A “Mobile Health Unit” has been deployed to deliver emergency care to remote neighborhoods. In the future, we aim to introduce advanced digital health services so people can receive medical advice and assistance from home.
Asian State: How prepared are you for road safety and natural disaster response?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We’ve installed speed breakers and warning signs in school zones and high-traffic areas, and we conduct regular awareness programs in coordination with the traffic department. For natural disasters, we maintain a dedicated emergency response team trained in rescue, relief distribution, and service restoration. A task force monitors and maintains drainage systems during rainfall. We also work closely with local representatives and service agencies on disaster preparedness and response.
✳️ Public Engagement and Grievance Management
Asian State: What systems are in place for citizen complaints and receiving prompt solutions?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We have implemented a multi-channel grievance system: citizens can lodge complaints via the City Corporation website or hotline. Plans are in place to install physical complaint boxes in every ward, and walk-in services are available at our offices. Each complaint is logged with a unique ID and sent directly to the relevant department. A monitoring team tracks progress to ensure timely resolution. We want every citizen to feel heard and valued.
Asian State: How do you incorporate public feedback into development planning?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Public feedback is a foundational element of our development process. We regularly convene open forums and consultation meetings at the ward level, where residents share concerns and suggestions directly. These are integrated into project plans. We also analyze online submissions and update plans accordingly. Recently, we initiated a “Community Feedback Portal” to enhance transparency and foster stronger engagement between citizens and the City Corporation.
✳️ Future Vision and Personal Perspective
Asian State: Where do you envision Comilla in 10 years?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: I envision Comilla as a well-planned, clean, tech-driven, and environmentally sustainable Smart City within the next decade. Citizen services will be fully digital; roads will be wide and safe; and the environment will be green and healthy. I want it to be a city people don’t just live in, but are proud to call home. In education, culture, business, and technology, Comilla will be exemplary—an inspiration throughout Bangladesh.
Asian State: How do you define success—as an individual and as an administrator?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: For me, success means earning people’s trust—when citizens believe “my problem will be solved, my voice is valued.” As an administrator, I feel accomplished when people are satisfied with services, development projects are timely, and staff maintain a positive attitude. Personally, success is fulfilling responsibilities impartially and making small positive changes daily with humanity.
Asian State: What is your key message to the youth?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Youth are the future of this city and country. I tell them: dream big, but don’t stop at dreaming—prepare yourself to turn those dreams into reality and become responsible citizens. In today’s tech era, you are ahead—use technology to serve, innovate, and drive social change. Don’t just seek jobs—be agents of change. That is how Comilla will truly become youth-friendly, innovative, and humane.
✳️ Expanded Development and Civic Planning
Asian State: There was talk of a comprehensive renovation of the Old Gomti River following the model of Hatirjheel in Dhaka. What is the current status?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We have devised a plan to transform the Old Gomti into an aesthetic and eco-friendly urban zone modeled after Hatirjheel. The feasibility study for the preliminary phase has already been completed. The plan includes land reclamation, beautification, walkways, a waterfront park, and recreational infrastructure. We’ve already held discussions with the relevant ministry. Our goal is for the Old Gomti to once again become the lifeline of the city.
Asian State: What progress has been made in implementing the big-budget projects announced?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: After declaring one of the largest budgets in the City Corporation’s history, we are moving forward step by step with its implementation. Projects have begun according to the allocations, focusing on roads, drainage systems, modern waste management, urban beautification, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. Some initiatives are currently awaiting final approval.
Asian State: Is there a plan to establish specialized schools and colleges under the City Corporation?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Absolutely. We are planning to establish a specialized “Model School and College” that offers English-medium and technical education. It will blend modern academic curriculum with practical technological training, preparing students for the demands of the future.
Asian State: Is the City Corporation considering the establishment of ward-level public libraries?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Libraries are indispensable for building a knowledge-based society. We’ve taken the initiative to set up small-scale “Community Libraries” in each ward. These will be run with youth participation and serve as centers for learning and information, with dedicated digital book corners as well.
Asian State: Are there any initiatives to encourage rooftop gardening among residents?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Rooftop gardens have a significant environmental benefit. We plan to launch a “Green Roof Award,” which will recognize and support citizens who maintain rooftop gardens. We also intend to provide guidelines, training, and distribute seedlings and fertilizers to encourage this initiative.
Asian State: Is there any thought of generating electricity from waste?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Yes, we are actively exploring the idea of transforming waste into a resource. A feasibility study is currently underway for a “Waste-to-Energy” project. If successful, it would be a revolutionary initiative for Comilla.
Asian State: What is the current progress on the construction of the modern 10-story Nagar Bhaban (City Hall)?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: The work for the new 10-story Nagar Bhaban is progressing steadily. It will be a tech-enabled and environmentally conscious building where all citizen services will be available under one roof.
Asian State: Have you taken any special initiatives to improve services in the southern part of the city?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: To accelerate services in the southern wards, we’ve formed a dedicated monitoring team. We’ve identified several key areas as “Focus Zones” and strengthened development initiatives there. A sub-service center is also in the pipeline to be launched in that region soon.
Asian State: With the resurgence of COVID-19, what preparations are in place?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: We are fully prepared, drawing from our past experience dealing with COVID-19. Awareness campaigns, mobile medical teams, medicine supplies, and vaccination drives are being actively maintained. Our help desk and health services remain operational, and if needed, we’re ready to act swiftly as before.
Asian State: What measures have been taken for mosquito control?
Saif Uddin Ahmed: Mosquito control is an ongoing and crucial task. Regular fogging and larvicide spraying are being conducted in all wards. We’ve launched a “Weekly Clean-Up Drive” with active citizen participation. We are identifying mosquito breeding grounds and ensuring proper cleaning of drains and stagnant water areas.
