Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser to the road transport and bridges ministry, yesterday expressed dissatisfaction over the sluggish progress in canal excavation project in Chattogram city.

Fouzul, accompanied by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and Disaster Management Adviser Faruk-e-Azam, visited the excavation site in Bakalia in the afternoon.

The Chattogram City Corporation began the 2.9-kilometre canal excavation from Bahaddarhat Baroipara to the Karnaphuli river in 2014 as part of a Tk 1,362 crore project aimed at addressing waterlogging in the port city.

The project, initially slated for completion by June 2017, had its deadline extended to June 2024. Despite the six-month lapse since the revised deadline, the project remains incomplete.

Fouzul questioned CCC Chief Engineer Mohammad Abul Kashem about the delays.

The engineer cited legal complications surrounding land acquisition, saying, "Some people filed petitions with the court."

In response, advisers Fouzul and Rizwana expressed frustration, asking why the CCC had failed to inform the government about the issue earlier. "Give me the list of the petitions," Fouzul instructed.

Adviser Faruk-e-Azam asked whether the remaining work would be completed by May, before the onset of the monsoon. The CCC chief engineer said it might take longer, leaving the advisers disappointed.

CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain, who accompanied the advisers, told reporters that "mega corruption" had plagued previous projects. "But now we are trying to carry out works honestly and with coordination," he said.