Citizen services and development activities in Rajshahi city have regained momentum after nearly two years of stagnation following the appointment of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.
The government appointed the grassroots political leader and Rajshahi city BNP General Secretary as RCC administrator on 14 March and he formally assumed office on 16 March.
Since taking charge, the administration has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at restoring administrative discipline, improving revenue collection and strengthening civic services across the city.
Regular meetings with officials and employees of different departments have also helped restore activity at the city corporation office.
Several stalled development projects have resumed under the new administration.
Construction work on the road from Hetemkhan Boro Mosque intersection to Bornali has restarted after remaining suspended for a long period.
Work on the railway crossing flyover alongside Shalbagan, Bhadra and Nowdapara kitchen market projects is also progressing rapidly.
Road repair and road-marking works have started in all 30 wards of the city, while ward-based drain, road and footpath construction activities are continuing simultaneously.
Development work on the four-lane road in the Phultala area has also gained pace.
Projects including construction of boundary walls for Rajshahi University and Rajshahi Medical College are also under implementation.
The city corporation has intensified mosquito control and cleanliness drives across the city through fogger spraying, larvicide application and drain cleaning programmes in all wards.
Authorities said special measures are being taken ahead of the monsoon to reduce waterlogging by cleaning drains and removing mud around the clock.
The administration has also taken steps to modernise waste management services.
Plans have been taken to improve Rajshahi Central Park and Zoo through construction of a watchtower, children’s play zone, event tent and hanging bridge.
An initiative has also been taken to install a fountain at Gulzarbag Lake to attract visitors.
RCC also drew praise during Eid-ul-Fitr after providing passenger assistance services at Rajshahi Railway Station for seven days.
Construction materials were removed from Gorhanga railway crossing and several important roads to ease traffic congestion following directives from the administrator.
The administration has also undertaken social welfare activities.
On the day after assuming office, Eid gifts worth Tk5,000 each were distributed among sanitation workers.
RCC also achieved full success in a measles-rubella vaccination campaign conducted through 438 centres across the city.
As part of environmental protection efforts, the city corporation has planned to plant around 300,000 trees during the upcoming monsoon season.
“We are working tirelessly to build Rajshahi into a more beautiful, healthy, safe and peaceful city,” said RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.
“With cooperation from city residents, we want to build a new dream Rajshahi,” he added.
Heritage Rajshahi President and river-environment researcher Mahbub Siddiqui said development activities in the city had gained fresh momentum under the current administration, creating optimism among residents.
