Bahlul Alam

Khulna Metropolitan City was established during British colonial rule in 1897, initially as a small town. After the formation of Pakistan in 1947, Khulna quickly emerged as a center of industrialization. Following Bangladesh's independence, Khulna developed into a full-fledged metropolitan city and became one of the most important urban centers in the country’s southwest region. Currently, Khulna is an administrative and industrial hub under the Khulna City Corporation (KCC), comprising 31 wards. The total area of the city is approximately 57.05 square kilometers, and according to 2025 estimates, the population is nearing 1.5 million—making it one of the most densely populated cities in the country. Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion are continuously increasing the population.

However, alongside development, Khulna faces various social, economic, and environmental challenges. Many of its industries are now shut down or operating poorly, leading to rising unemployment. Due to climate change—especially salinity and river erosion—there has been an increase in internal migration from coastal areas, putting immense pressure on the city (Source: BERC, 2025). According to the 2025 KCC Environmental and Civic Services Report, traffic congestion has become severe in areas like Shibbari Mor, New Market, and Rupsha Ghat. The primary reasons are illegal parking, roadside shops, and unregulated vehicle movement. Although the city generates 550–600 tons of waste daily, not all of it is disposed of properly, which disrupts the drainage system and causes waterlogging.

The law and order situation is relatively stable, but some specific crimes are on the rise. The Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) 2025 January–June report notes that 1,450 criminal cases were filed in the first half of the year, 40% of which were drug-related. Incidents of mugging, eve-teasing, bullying, and violence against women have also increased—187 muggings, 92 cases of eve-teasing, 45 incidents of school/college bullying, and over 130 cases of violence against women were recorded. Experts attribute the rise in these crimes to a lack of social awareness, misuse of technology, and the growing "teen gang" culture.According to the Khulna District Administration’s 2025 mid-year land and property report, illegal establishments have been constructed by occupying both public and private land, especially in areas like Rupsha, KDA Avenue, and Khalishpur. During the same period, over 35 cases of extortion in the construction and transport sectors were filed (Source: KMP, 2025).

A joint report by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Khulna District Child Affairs Office (January–June 2025) states that around 1,200 child laborers aged 8–14 are working in about 350 garages, workshops, and small factories in Daulatpur, Khalishpur, Noyabazar, and Sonadanga. Most of these children belong to poor families and are school dropouts, forced to work in hazardous conditions for 8–12 hours daily.The 2025 joint report by KMP and the District Administration further reveals that drug trafficking, smuggling, gambling, and child marriage are major social threats in the city. Over 500 drug-related and 150 smuggling/gambling cases were recorded. These crimes negatively affect the youth and contribute to increasing violence. Despite administrative crackdowns, the lack of family supervision and social values is deepening the problem.In education, the Khulna District Education Office’s 2025 report states that more than 500 coaching centers have sprung up across the city, most of which are unapproved and poorly regulated. Irregular teacher recruitment, disorganized class schedules, and poor-quality teaching are weakening the foundational education of students. Due to unplanned urbanization and climate migration, the number of slums has increased by about 20% (Source: BERC & KCC, 2025). These slums lack access to clean water, healthcare, and education. Poor housing planning has weakened the drainage system, increasing the risk of flooding and waterlogging. The health sector also faces severe challenges. According to the Khulna District Health Department half-yearly report, many private clinics and diagnostic centers are operating without proper licenses. Public hospitals suffer from poor hygiene, insufficient medical equipment, and staff shortages. The sale of low-quality and illegal drugs is a serious public health threat.

In this context, the role of civil society, journalists, and political leaders is crucial. Civil society must work to raise awareness; journalists should highlight issues through accurate, data-based reporting; and political leaders must adopt just policies, act with integrity, and focus on public welfare. Only through corruption-free, well-planned, and participatory efforts can Khulna be transformed into a livable and sustainable metropolitan city.

The writer is Development Activist.