After assuming office in July 2015, the late mayor Annisul Huq only wanted a few years to change Dhaka city and we, the city dwellers, were keenly observing his ambitious plans and wondering if those plans were at all achievable. To our surprise and delight, he had materialised many of his plans that once seemed unrealistic to many.

During the two and a half years that he led the DNCC, the city saw some qualitative changes. His bold initiative of reclaiming parts of the Shatrasta intersection in Tejgaon area from the clutches of truck owners was exemplary. The eviction drive faced obstruction from transport workers and violent clashes ensued but Annisul Huq refused to back away and eventually the area was cleared. Another remarkable success of this charismatic mayor was the opening up of Gabtoli Bus Terminal which eased traffic congestion in the area remarkably and made entering the city from Savar much easier. He also tried to rid the city of the hideous billboards that sprang up everywhere and he motivated people to plant trees to make Dhaka green again. He also did a great job of improving Dhaka's garbage management system, an area which was largely neglected until his initiative.

He was a well-known personality even before becoming a public representative as he was a popular TV host and a successful business leader. He had the rare ability to motivate and engage people with his works. After he passed away on November 30, 2017, the DNCC cleaners worked an hour overtime to pay tribute to him—a unique way to pay tribute to someone in this country. This is just one example of how he made people love their work.

However, it is sad that many of his unfinished works and initiatives to improve the city came to a standstill after his death. We urge the DNCC as well as the government to continue on with the unfinished works of the late mayor. On his first death anniversary, let's not mourn his absence by citing what he could have achieved if he were with us. Instead, let us take strength from this dynamic personality, celebrate his undeniable achievements and work together to fulfil his vision of making Dhaka a better place to live in.