Chittagong Development Authority (CDA) was established in the year 1959 in order to ensure the planned and systematic growth of the city. The development of Chittagong has substantial impact on the overall development of Bangladesh. The major functions/activities of this authority are as follows:

• Preparation of master plan for Chittagong city and the area in the vicinity and its continuous review.
• Preparation of short term and long-term development programs for improvement and expansion of Chittagong city. This includes construction of new roads, widening and improvement of major city roads, construction of shopping complex, development of industrial and residential estates and commercial plots and other necessary urban developments.
• Exercising planning control over the structure plan as per provision of CDA Ordinance and Govt. approved Master Plan.
• Development control within the preview of Bangladesh Building Construction Acts, 1952 with its subsequent revisions.

CDA Executive Board

CDA is a statuary authority controlled by Ministry of Housing & public works. All the activities administers by a Chairman. There is a board, headed by the Chairman. The board includes 11 other members from diversified fields.

Constitution of Present Board

Chairman- appointed by the government
Member-

• Chairman of Chittagong Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (WASA)
• Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong.
• Four member nominated by the government.
• A representative of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
• A representative of Bangladesh Railway board.
• A representative of Chittagong Port Authority.
• Two members nominated by the Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation.

Manpower

A total of 520 personnel are working at CDA. They include Architects, Engineers, Planners, and Administrators, land Surveyors etc.