Anti-mosquito drive, clean air Atiqul’s focus

a focus on combatting air pollution and the mosquito menace. 

He pledged to implement the Integrated Vector Management system to effectively tackle the mosquito menace round the year with the help of the health ministry, the Wasa, the DSCC and other nearby city corporations.

The mayoral candidate said air pollution would be reduced through mist blowers and other devices in different areas of North Dhaka.

He unveiled the manifesto with three segments -- Modern Dhaka, Healthy Dhaka and Vibrant Dhaka -- at a press conference at a city hotel.

In the manifesto, he has given priority to revival of lakes and canals, mitigation of waterlogging and expansion of public space. He said waterbodies in the DNCC would be recovered from encroachers and given back to the public.

If elected, he would also introduce electric bus service to help bring down air pollution level in the city.

Besides, a Resources Recovery Facility will be set up in Aminbazar for disposal of waste and turning waste into energy, he added.

Underground and multi-storey parking complexes will be built in busy areas of the DNCC, he mentioned.

Atiqul also promised to ensure civic facilities for slum dwellers and organise festivals in every ward of the DNCC regularly to inspire young people and promote harmonious relations among neighbours.

The mayor aspirant also said women-friendly comprehensive reproductive healthcare centres and primary health care centres would be set up in the areas that were included in the DNCC in recent years.

In the manifesto, he pledged to construct sufficient number of modern public toilets for the city residents and breast-feeding rooms in all DNCC establishments.

Atiqul also promised to arrange transport facilities for students of schools, colleges and universities in the DNCC.

Footpaths would be freed from encroachers, and a pedestrian-friendly “footpath network” would be set up for all including those with disabilities.

Digital push button signals would be installed at Zebra crossings in the DNCC so that pedestrians can cross roads safely, he added.

Stressing the need for having a women-friendly city transport system, Atiqul said he would introduce e-ticketing service.

He also promised to implement former mayor Annisul Huq’s plan -- Bus Route Rationalisation system -- with the help of various government entities.

“We will implement coordinated plans involving the DMP, the DTCA [Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority], the BRTA and the DSCC [Dhaka South City Corporation] to ease traffic congestion.”

He said smart bus stoppages, and bus and truck terminals would be built in the DNCC as part of efforts to improve the city’s transport system.

Some areas in the North would primarily be transformed into “smart neighbourhood” to turn the DNCC into a “smart city”. The rest of the areas in the DNCC would also be included in the process in phases, added the mayor aspirant.