Don’t let mosquitoes eat up votes
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the newly-elected mayors and councillors of the two Dhaka cities to pay special attention to check mosquitoes, particularly Aedes, so that the insect cannot eat up their votes.
"There's a problem again with dengue. You'll have to take measures to control mosquitoes from now. You'll have to pay attention to this. Or else, mosquitoes will eat up your votes. You'll surely see it. You'll have to keep in mind that though the mosquito is small, it's very powerful," she said.
The PM said this at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected mayors and councillors of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) at the Shapla Hall of the PMO.
She sought cooperation from the newly-elected representatives to properly implement ongoing mega development projects in Dhaka on time.
Noting that her government has been carrying out massive development works across the country, including in Dhaka city, the PM said she does not want any corruption and irregularity to take place in these projects.
"If such things happen, I'll not spare anyone, no matter whoever he or she is. I'll not make any compromise with anyone," she warned.
The PM administered the oath to DNCC and DSCC mayors-elect Atiqul Islam and Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh respectively at the function.
The Local Government, Rural Development (LGRD) and Co-operatives Minister Md Tazul Islam administered the oath of office to the councillors elected from both general wards and reserved seats.
However, the newly-elected mayors and councillors will have to wait until mid-May to take over charge as the five-year tenure of the incumbent public representatives of DNCC will expire on May 13 and that of DSCC on May 17.
Elections to the DNCC and DSCC were held on February 1, where Awami League candidates Atiqul and Taposh won the mayoral posts.
Alongside the two elected mayors, 100 councillors - 75 from general wards and 25 women from reserved seats - were elected to the DSCC and 72 councillors - 54 from general wards and 18 women from reserved seats - to the DNCC.
A gazette notification was issued on February 4. There is a legal obligation for any mayor or councillor of the city corporation to take oath within one month of the gazette being published.
The PM said the government undertook massive development in the last 10 years -- including expansion of roads, addressing the water-logging problem, and recovering fields and ponds from grabbers.
"We've done many works. You'll have to carry on the development works maintaining this continuity," she said.
The PM said the government is taking measures to monitor intensively whether development projects are implemented properly.
She called upon the newly-elected representatives to ensure facilities and privileges for all citizens in their localities, irrespective of their political affiliation.
"When you're elected, you're for all. Keeping this in mind, you'll have to work for overall development," she said. The PM suggested the elected representatives work in their respective areas to gain public trust and confidence.
She also said the government is taking proper measures to keep Bangladesh free from coronavirus.
Noting that coronavirus is not yet present in Bangladesh, she said a dedicated hospital has been kept ready if the virus enters the country. Besides, training is being given to physicians and nurses in this regard, she added.
The PM also said ongoing drives against militancy, terrorism, drugs, and corruption, will continue.
Putting emphasis on planned urbanisation, she said the government will not allow indiscriminate construction of buildings and industries in order to protect crop lands. For those wanting to set up industries, there are plots in the 100 economic zones, the PM added.
The PM invited the newly-elected mayors and councillors, party leaders, and members of parliament to attend the inaugural ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Parade Ground on March 17.
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