Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan has announced that recommendations for councillor positions in the upcoming elections will be reserved for individuals who can demonstrate a proven track record of community work and public service.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting with prominent citizens of the Uttara area under Zone-1 on Thursday, the administrator emphasised that titles alone would not suffice for securing a nomination, reads a press release.
He noted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would not approve candidates based solely on their designations, as true leadership requires being close to the people and working for their welfare.
Safiqul underscored that serving the public is the primary “religion” or duty of the current government, which was brought to power by the people after 17 years. He said as followers of the prime minister’s vision, the city corporation is dedicated to resolving the various challenges facing the capital.
Addressing the utility crisis, the administrator revealed that severe water shortages in several parts of the city are being tackled by installing water pumps through WASA, a move that has already seen success in specific areas.
On the issue of public health, he claimed that the nuisance of mosquitoes has noticeably decreased because of efforts to clean canals and prevent breeding. He expressed his ambition to make the DNCC area entirely free of dengue-carrying mosquitoes by recovering canals with the assistance of the public.
However, Safiqul expressed frustration regarding the rehabilitation of hawkers. He explained that despite designating specific areas for them, many hawkers have abandoned those spots to return to the footpaths.
He remarked that sustainable progress is impossible under such conditions and called for the cooperation of both hawkers and the general public to resolve the situation.
Safiqul also touched upon infrastructure and fiscal matters, saying that the expansion of roads and the improvement of street lighting require the active support of local residents.
In response to appeals from the business community regarding tax reductions, he assured them that the corporation would attempt to set lower tax rates.
Furthermore, he urged local dignitaries to step forward and assist law enforcement agencies to improve the law and order situation in their respective areas.
The meeting was chaired by Zonal Executive Officer Md Kamal Hossain. SM Jahangir Hossain, the Member of Parliament for the Dhaka-18 constituency, attended the event as a special guest.
Also present at the programme were the chief engineer and the chief health officer of the Dhaka North City Corporation, along with other local dignitaries.
