Dhaka: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan on Thursday emphasized that only individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to public service will be considered for councillor nominations in the forthcoming local government elections.
According to United News of Bangladesh, during an exchange meeting with residents of Uttara under DNCC Zone-1, Khan stated that holding political positions alone would not guarantee a nomination. He stressed the importance of councillors maintaining close ties with the community and contributing to public welfare, rather than relying solely on party affiliations.
Khan highlighted that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, entrusted with the nation’s leadership after 17 years, is focused on public service. He assured that DNCC officials would continue to align with this vision. The administrator also addressed ongoing efforts to resolve civic issues, such as water shortages, by working with the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to install pumps in affected areas.
He reported a decline in mosquito infestation due to canal-cleaning initiatives, which have mitigated mosquito breeding. Khan expressed optimism that continued canal restoration efforts, supported by the public, would bolster dengue prevention strategies.
Regarding street vendors, Khan noted that the city corporation had designated specific areas for their relocation. However, many vendors have returned to the footpaths, and he called for cooperation from vendors and residents to address this challenge.
Additionally, Khan outlined plans to enhance roads and street lighting with community involvement and mentioned the possibility of tax reductions following appeals from business leaders. He urged community leaders to collaborate closely with law enforcement to improve neighborhood safety.
The meeting, chaired by Regional Executive Officer Md Kamal Hossain, included participation from Dhaka-18 MP SM Jahangir Hossain, DNCC Chief Engineer, Chief Health Officer, and local community representatives.