Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said "There should be a 'People's Commission' comprising the urban specialists and other people that will blend indigenous knowledge with technical solution to ensure environment-friendly urbanisation".

The press conference was held at Bapa office demanding punishment to those involved in waterlogging in the city and landslide in Chittagong.

The interest of the affluent quarter who have built magnificent palaces in the city by indiscriminately cutting hills, filling-up canals and rivers got the highest priority and no attention was given to create an environment-friendly urbanisation, Prof Muzaffer said, adding the bodies concerned should have maximum accountability.

He observed that the land grabbers, insincerity of the urban planners and misrule in the country deprive people of their rights.

Pointing out the loopholes in current laws concerning the issue, he laid emphasis on resolving the crisis through involvement of the people.

Terming the disaster 'revenge of nature', Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed told the conference that nature is taking revenge for the indiscriminate extortion on her.

Insisting on immediate punishment of the culprits, he observed that the corruption and inefficiency of the concerned bodies are responsible for this devastation.

Bapa General Secretary Mohidul Haque Khan urged general people to launch a mass movement to compel the bodies concerned to implement people's demand.

Kazi Muhammad Sheesh, former chief engineer, also spoke on the occasion.