Help govt keep your city clean

Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) Minister Tazul Islam yesterday sought cooperation from all dwellers of Dhaka city, to keep the capital clean and free of air pollution.

It is undeniable that city dwellers face various problems in their everyday life, including pollution and traffic congestion, but the government is not slacking; it is trying its best to solve the issues, he said.

“We have taken several initiatives to improve the city’s quality of living, but our efforts will not be fruitful if the dwellers aren’t aware and don’t know how to keep their surroundings clean,” added Tazul.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at a programme held at Cirdap auditorium in the capital. Nagar Unnayan Sangbadik Forum, an association of urban development journalists, organised the event to introduce its new executive committee -- elected for 2020-2021 tenure.

Speaking at the programme, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam said it is a challenge to turn unplanned Dhaka into a planned city, but it is possible if all work together.

About his participation in the upcoming Dhaka city polls, Atiqul said, “If I get nomination, I will use my experience -- which I have gathered in the last nine months -- to serve the city dwellers.”

“But if I am not nominated, I will support the candidate who will be selected by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Awami League,” he added.

Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Farida Yasmin, Bangladesh Institute of Planners General Secretary Adil Mohammed Khan and Nagar Unnayan Sangbadik Forum President Matin Abdullah also spoke at the event, among others.