Khatunganj, one of the oldest and most important wholesale markets in Bangladesh, has long been a centre for trading spices, garments, and hardware. Located in Chattogram, near the Karnaphuli River, Chaktai Canal, and the Chattogram Port, this market has thrived for generations thanks to its strategic location. But over time, unplanned urban growth, traffic congestion, broken canal systems, and unsafe, narrow roads have made it harder for businesses and people to operate smoothly. These problems not only slow down trade but also take away from the rich heritage that makes Khatunganj unique.
Md. Akibur Rahman Sikder, a student of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), took on this challenge through his 14-week-long undergraduate thesis project titled Kodifying Khatunganj: A Multilayered Approach to Wholesale Trade Revival. The project was done as part of Design Studio X under the guidance of Ar. Patrick D’Rozario and Ar. Nayna Tabassum. Combining both research and design, Akibur aimed to bring back Khatunganj’s lost charm while making it more efficient and user-friendly.
The project began with deep research, including field visits, surveys, mapping, and interviews with local traders. These helped identify the key issues—disorganised road networks, water pollution in the Chaktai Canal, irregular plot sizes, and poor pedestrian access.
The proposal covers a total area of 42 acres at the larger scale, with detailed design work focused on an 8-acre portion of the market. To address the problems, Akibur designed solutions at three different scales, starting from the city level and moving down to individual shops. Road networks were redesigned to reduce traffic and create better paths for walking. The Chaktai Canal was reimagined as a cleaner, active water route for better landscape environment. Larger land plots were reshaped into shared hubs for storage and showcasing goods, while narrow plots were turned into efficient mixed-use shop-and-store units with better product circulation for hand carts.
At the smallest scale, shop layouts were improved with fire safety measures, building fronts were preserved to keep the area’s character intact, and canal-side spaces were designed for social activities and community interaction. Throughout the process, Akibur held a questionnaire survey with local people to make sure the plans would truly benefit the users. His final proposal blends modern trade needs with cultural memory, offering a practical and respectful way to revive one of Bangladesh’s most important trading districts. It stands as a reminder that heritage and development don’t have to be at odds; they can grow together. This project shows how thoughtful design can solve real problems while honouring the past. Kodifying Khatunganj is a vision for a better, balanced future.
