Dhaka South conducts key meetings at Wasa Bhaban as Nagar Bhaban remains locked

With the main gate of Nagar Bhaban locked since 15 May, Dhaka South City Corporation has been unable to operate from its headquarters, prompting its top officials to hold key meetings at alternative venues. 

To ensure that the essential functions of Dhaka South continue in the absence of access to Nagar Bhaban, Administrator Shahjahan Mia has been presiding over urgent meetings from Wasa Bhaban, where he also holds office as managing director of Dhaka Wasa. Before Eid, meetings were held at the Secretariat.

The blockade, enforced by supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain and a section of Dhaka South employees, is part of a continuing protest demanding that Ishraque be sworn in as mayor.

Although the protest was briefly relaxed during Eid-ul-Adha, Ishraque declared that no external administrator or adviser would be allowed to enter Nagar Bhaban.

Today (11 June), the administrator chaired an emergency meeting at Wasa Bhaban to plan measures against the spread of Aedes mosquitoes and to manage ongoing Covid-19 risks.

Key officials, including Chief Executive Officer Md Zillur Rahman, Corporation Secretary Muhammad Shafiqul Islam, Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, and Chief Health Officer Dr Nishat Parveen, were present.

Earlier on Monday, Shahjahan Mia also held a press conference reviewing the City Corporation's Eid waste removal operations.

Speaking to The Business Standard, he said, "Since I am the MD of Wasa, I hold office in the Wasa building. As Nagar Bhaban is locked, it is not possible for any of us to go there and work. Since there is a crisis now, we have to hold meetings here to carry out urgent work through alternative arrangements."

He added, "The agitators relaxed their movement due to Eid-ul-Adha and opened three departments, including the waste management and mechanical departments. This allowed us to complete Eid-related waste removal successfully. But if offices are shut again, it will affect our preparations for waterlogging and mosquito control. Most other services are already suspended. We are trying to manage through alternative means."

A Dhaka South revenue department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the continued closure of Nagar Bhaban has brought revenue activities to a halt.

"We cannot carry out work related to holding taxes, licence renewals, or other revenue matters. This will impact the city corporation's budget," the official said.

The current impasse follows the 1 February 2020 Dhaka South City election, in which Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the winner.

Ishraque Hossain later challenged the result in court, and on 27 March, the Election Tribunal ruled in his favour, declaring him the elected mayor.

Despite the verdict, the government has yet to arrange his swearing-in. In the meantime, daily services including trade licences, holding tax payments, and birth registrations remain suspended.

Even with offices expected to reopen following the Eid holidays, there is uncertainty over whether Nagar Bhaban will be accessible.

Double pesticide for dengue prevention

At today's emergency meeting, Dhaka South resolved to intensify its anti-dengue campaign.

Beginning 14 June, fogger machines will spray 60 litres of pesticide daily—double the current amount of 30 litres. 

Area-based dengue monitoring teams will also be formed, led by regional executive officers and assistant health officers, to oversee morning and evening fieldwork by mosquito control workers.

These teams will monitor pesticide usage, ensure worker attendance, organise mobile courts, and inspect homes and rooftops for stagnant water.

Dhaka South Assistant Health Officer Dr Faria Foyez has been named focal point officer for dengue and Covid-19 issues.

The meeting also decided to host a seminar at Nagar Bhaban later this month in coordination with entomologists.

Dhaka South will publish daily dengue patient updates on its website and accelerate recruitment to address manpower shortages.

Public awareness efforts on dengue and Covid-19 prevention will also be strengthened.