The mayoral candidates of Awami League and BNP in the Dhaka North City Corporation election have said that a lot is yet to be done, including bringing the mosquito meanace under control, to make the capital liveable.
To make that happen, Atiqul Islam and Tabith Awal have also agreed that the utility service-providing agencies will have to work by coordinating among themselves and with the city corporation.
They concurrence occurred during the DNCC Mayoral Debate, jointly organized by Dhaka Tribune and Washington-based think-tank International Republican Institute. Channel 24 aired the debate, moderated by Dhaka Tribune Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad, yesterday.
Awami League’s mayor candidate Atiqul said Dhaka has been developed in an unplanned manner — something that can be noticed from outside the city.
“Everything is Dhaka-centric. But it will be very challenging to make Dhaka a liveable city,” he said, adding he can make that happen using the experience of his nine-month-long tenure as the DNCC mayor.
“For restoring habitability, we will have to work on reducing traffic congestion, waterlogging, air pollution and ensuring safety, especially for the women and children,” he said.
On the issue of last year’s dengue outbreak, he said it would not be possible to eradicate the mosquito menace in a short time, but the work based on integrated vector management must continue.
BNP’s mayor aspirant Tabith echoed a similar sentiment, saying: “It is a must that Dhaka’s habitability is reinstated for its 20 million citizens.”
Moreover, security of the women in mass transport, traffic management, proper drainage system and fresh air must be ensured too, for the sake of all city dwellers, he added.
Calling dengue and air pollution as slow poisons, Tabith said these two issues will have to be fought with utmost priority. Instead of waiting for a court order, measures to address these issues must be taken as quickly as possible, he stressed.
He also said that whoever is elected mayor will have to be held accountable for his activities.
