Liton takes charge as Rajshahi mayor

The sky over Rajshahi city lit up in colourful fireworks yesterday evening, in celebration of the reception of the newly-elected mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation AHM Khairuzzman Liton.

City corporation workers, supported by activists of the ruling Awami League, set off fireworks in different areas of the city simultaneously to mark the occasion.

Liton took over as the mayor in a grand reception ceremony held at the Green Plaza of Nagar Bhaban. The city corporation spent over Tk 1.20 crore for organising the ceremony.

The 40 newly-elected ward councillors also took charge at the function, held with Rajshahi divisional commissioner Nur-ur Rahman in the chair. Over 2,500 people, mostly city dwellers and invited guests, attended the ceremony.

Liton and 40 councillors pledged for working together for development of the city.

In his speech, Mayor Liton said he wants to serve people beyond the city, adding that the mayor's responsibility was not limited to ensuring the civic amenities only.

“I consider myself the prime minister of Rajshahi; 40 counsellors are my ministers and the city corporation's chief executive officer is my cabinet secretary. I would oversee and pursue the development activities of Rajshahi region covering all 16 districts,” he said.

In a sarcastic remark on voters' trends, Liton said unlike voters of Chittagong and southern districts, voters of Rajshahi do not understand which party to vote for in elections.

“The voters of Chittagong and southern districts always vote for the party that is in power. Our voters hardly understand that, and that is why our region is lagging behind in development,” he quipped.

He said as promised before the election, he would build a direct railway service on Rajshahi-Dhaka route within four months.

Liton said he would convince the government to expand the Shah Makhdum Airport to turn it into an international airport, so that air services can be introduced on Rajshahi-Kolkata route.

The mayor also said he would take up an ambitious project for building a new city on 30 square kilometres of Padma river char.