Khatunganj, a historic commercial hub in Chattogram, Bangladesh, dated back to the 2nd century, serves as one of the largest wholesale markets in the region. Strategically located along the Karnaphuli River and adjacent to the Chaktai Canal, it facilitates vital local, national, and international trade networks. Despite its historical and economic significance, Khatunganj market faces challenges such as deteriorating infrastructure, traffic congestion, waterlogging, and the deterioration of heritage buildings, all of which threaten its sustainability as a trading center. The study evaluates Khatunganjs historical evolution, trading environment, market typologies, and infrastructure to identify its strengths and weaknesses. This study employs a mixed-methods approach—consisting of field surveys, interviews, mapping, and data analysis—to assess Khatunganj’s current condition. A total of 150 respondents were surveyed, with over 130 stakeholders interviewed, including traders, architects, planners, and local officials. Quantitative analysis used percentages and scoring matrices, while qualitative insights and validation were obtained through thematic coding and feedback from experts and users. The key strengths identified includes 24-hour trade activity, pedestrian-friendly verandas, historical facades, and robust connectivity by land and water. However, significant weakness observed in infrastructure, mobility, and environmental resilience, with narrow roads, insufficient drainage, and the deterioration of heritage buildings being critical concerns. The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis highlighted Khatunganjs strong commercial culture and strategic location but pointed out threats like poor governance, seasonal flooding, and the encroachment of modern commercial areas. The study’s evaluation matrix revealed moderate performance by scoring 88-point, surpassing the 84-point threshold, highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and waste management. This paper proposes evidence-based urban renewal strategies (scoring 66 points, below the threshold of 76) focusing on enhancing mobility, preserving heritage, and upgrading infrastructure, providing a framework for revitalizing historic trade hubs. The SWOT analysis informed the proposed interventions, ensuring Khatunganj’s economic viability, enhance its cultural preservation, and mitigate its environmental risks for future generations.
Apurba et al. (Tue,) studied this question.