State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam on Wednesday assured that problems related to water, gas, waterlogging, roads, and drainage in Dhaka-15 constituency will be addressed on a priority basis.
He said development work will be implemented in phases through the coordination of relevant agencies, following the recommendations of Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman.
The state minister, along with Shafiqur, and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan, participated in separate views-exchange meetings and field inspections in West Shewrapara, East Manipur, Baishteki, and Ibrahimpur areas of the constituency.
During the visit, they inspected local canals, cleanliness drives, gas and water supply, the dengue situation, and various other civic issues while listening to the grievances and demands of residents.
The state minister noted that opposition leader had entrusted the Prime Minister Tarique Rahman with responsibility for the development of his constituency.
Consequently, Tarique directed the state minister to coordinate with opposition leader to identify and initiate solutions for the area’s problems.
“It is not possible to solve all problems overnight,” Shahe Alam remarked, adding that representatives from WASA, Titas Gas, and other relevant agencies were present to set priorities.”
However, the water crisis, gas supply, and the improvement of roads and drainage systems will be given the highest priority. We do not wish to make any false promises to the people”.
Shafiqur identified the shortage of pure water, inadequate gas supply, and waterlogging as the primary challenges facing the area.
He emphasised that citizens must also take responsibility, noting that a permanent solution to waterlogging is impossible if the practice of dumping waste into drains and canals continues.
Shafiqur also raised concerns regarding social issues, stating that the spread of juvenile gangs and drugs has become a major worry for parents. He called upon law enforcement agencies to play a more effective role in this regard.
Additionally, the opposition leader highlighted irregularities in some educational institutions and the obstruction of traffic caused by hawkers occupying the streets.
Regarding the hawkers, Shafiqur suggested they should be brought under a disciplined system to protect their livelihoods while ensuring roads remain open for public movement.
On the power situation, he observed that while the crisis is less severe in the city, rural areas continue to face shortages. Shafiqur acknowledged that resolving these long-standing issues would take time and pledged the opposition’s cooperation with government initiatives.
“The country does not belong solely to the ruling party or the opposition; it belongs to everyone,” he said. “As representatives of the people, we want to fulfill our duty to protect the interests of the public”.
