Chattogram Development Movement’s Torchbearer Barrister Monwar Hossain Receives an Extraordinary Reception from the Chittagong Association in New York

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৪:২৫ পিএম, ২০২৫-১১-১৯

Desk Report:
In an atmosphere filled with excitement, respect, and affection, expatriates from Chattogram in the United States gathered in Brooklyn, New York, for a memorable evening — a grand reception and discussion meeting organized by the Chittagong Association for Barrister Monwar Hossain.

The event, hosted by the Chittagong Association of North America Inc., was not just a ceremonial reception. It became an international gathering fueled by a renewed commitment to revitalize the three-decade-long struggle for the development of Chattogram.

Held on November 12 at the Association’s own venue, the program was presided over by President Mohammad Abu Taher, with General Secretary Mohammad Ariful Islam conducting the ceremony.

Barrister Monwar Hossain was warmly greeted with floral tributes by former two-time Association President and ex-Trustee Board Chairman Mohammad Hanif, founding Treasurer and former Co-Chairman Shamsul Alam Chowdhury, former President and current Bangladesh Society Trustee Board member Kazi Sakhawat Hossain Azam.

The enthusiasm of the attendees created an atmosphere of joy, pride, and deep respect. The audience listened with emotion as the story of Chattogram’s decades-long development struggle, dreams, and achievements was retold.
In his heartfelt speech, Barrister Monwar said:

“Chattogram still remains neglected in many areas. Mega projects, a port-based economy, and the city’s maritime potential — all require a unified master plan. It is time to unite the Chattogram community at home and abroad under one platform.”

He explained that a global network for people from Chattogram had been initiated but stalled due to the pandemic. He expressed his desire to revive the initiative, which received unanimous support from the audience.

Speaking on Chattogram’s biggest problem — waterlogging — he stated:

“The mega project under the Bangladesh Army, ongoing for seven years and costing thousands of crores, must be implemented with proper coordination among the City Corporation, CDA, WASA, Water Development Board, Port Authority, and Power Division. Without such coordination, people will not see the expected results.”

Reiterating the urgent need for the long-awaited new Kalurghat Bridge, he said:

“South Chattogram is the lifeline of the port city. Without this bridge, true development remains impossible. The government must begin construction immediately.”

Speakers at the event recalled that without the Chattogram Development Struggle Committee — formed under Barrister Monwar’s leadership in the 1980s — the city would have fallen much further behind. They emphasized:

“No one involved in that movement sought position, power, or personal gain. Their sacrifices brought Chattogram’s development issues to national attention.”

President Abu Taher added:

“Barrister Monwar’s contributions to Chattogram’s development have brought us pride on the international stage. We will work toward building connections between Chittagong associations worldwide. The dream of an International Chattogram Festival will soon become reality.”

Among the many attendees were Enam Chowdhury, Kamal Hossain Mithu, Khokon K. Chowdhury, Haji T. Alam, Saiful Islam, Kamrul Islam, Shahabuddin Chowdhury Liton, Advocate Abdul Hamid, Naushad Kamal, Pallab Roy, Master Kalimullah, Kazi Iqbal, Kazi Imran, Mohammad Tarek and many other expatriate supporters of Chattogram.

The event concluded with a festive dinner served to all.
This gathering — filled with unity, warmth, and love for Chattogram — set a remarkable example within the expatriate community.

The extraordinary assembly in New York made one thing clear:
Chattogram’s development is no longer a regional demand — it is now the shared dream of millions of expatriates around the world.
And at the center of that dream stands the unwavering leadership and struggle of Barrister Monwar Hossain.