You have already served as mayor for nine months. Which tasks did you find to be the most challenging as DNCC mayor?
Dhaka has developed as an unplanned city. We are trying to transform Dhaka into a planned city in line with our master plan. Though there are a lot of challenges in transforming our beloved Dhaka from its present disorganized state to a planned city, I am keen to do that if I get the chance again.
We have already brought about some significant changes, including redesigning parks and playgrounds, digitalization of holding tax payment system and so on.
Why is there always a lack of coordination among all the service providing agencies?
I think the lack of coordination might be removed when all agencies work through following a common master plan. All the agencies will then know about their deadlines. We can introduce such a system if all the agencies come under one umbrella.
Despite the agencies not being under the same umbrella at present, we are working cohesively. But if the agencies can follow a common calendar, that might make things easier for all of us.
However, such integration will only be possible when WASA, DESCO and other agencies can get funds for their distinctive works in due time.
Life has become a living hell for the people of Dhaka because of dengue, air pollution and traffic jams. What action will you take if you are elected DNCC mayor again?
We should now mostly focus on overcoming traffic jams, water-logging, air pollution and preventing the breeding of mosquitoes.
I believe that dengue is not a seasonal crisis. If we want to prevent dengue, we should work 365 days of the year. We have already chalked out a plan to stop the breeding of mosquitoes, so that city dwellers do not have to face the mosquito menace throughout the year.
As far as traffic jam is concerned, franchises about use of roads by buses can bring in discipline in road transport and it is under process. Around 3,700 buses are plying whereas the number of owners is almost 3,400. We are trying to bring them under six companies. The franchising system will ensure that profits for owners will be divided accordingly.
Waterlogging can be turned into a thing of the past, as we have already identified the spots where water-logging occurs. We have also been coordinating with the Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (DWASA) and other agencies with the objective of coming up with a plan so that in future Dhaka city will not face any waterlogging.
As far as air pollution is concerned, we will make citizens aware that they will have to pay hefty fines if they pollute the air of the city.
What will be your goals if you are elected mayor of DNCC again?
I have a plan to transform Dhaka into a livable city. The plan will have short term, mid-term and long term actions for the city. If the city dwellers re-elect me, I will give priority to making Dhaka a smart city. People will be able to access different services from their homes. Holding tax and licence fees are already being collected through the automation system. People can even take out their birth certificates online within a very short time.
We are developing a mobile application for necessary services to be accessed from home.
What do you have to say about your rivals for the mayoral office?
I welcome the nominee of the BNP as well as other aspirants participating in the mayoral race. Despite half a dozen contesters, only one of us will be elected. But we have a great relationship among ourselves, as everyone is responsible for ensuring a peaceful election.
Why should people vote for you again?
I have served the city dwellers for only nine months. I drafted many plans for solving traffic jams, water-logging problems and for a digitalization of all services. But I could not implement all my plans because of a lack of time. Therefore, if people re-elect me as mayor I will make sure that all my plans are implemented this time.
I am confident people will vote for me as I have served with utmost sincerity during my tenure.