DNCC administrator calls for grants, not loans to address city challenges

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has called for financial grants, not loans, from developed countries and international organisations to address the challenges of the city.

He said this in response to a question from journalists while participating in the "Partnership for Healthy City Summit" organised in Paris, an official release said today (22 March).

The summit was held in Paris from March 18-21. 

A total of 330 representatives including 12 mayors from 61 cities around the world participated in the conference organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization, Vital Strategies and the Paris City Authority.

Talking to reporters, the DNCC administrator said, "Bangladesh is one of the countries most affected by climate change. The capital Dhaka and other cities in Bangladesh are facing various challenges. Currently, air pollution is one of the major problems in Dhaka."

"Since pollution has no boundaries, we are constantly affected by pollution caused by industrialization in the surrounding cities and the country. This international network can provide technical and financial assistance to affected cities like Dhaka to address the challenges. It will be also possible to achieve the goals of the Partnership for Healthy Cities Network in this way," he added.

In response to a question from journalists, he said, "We are not interested in receiving loan assistance from developed countries and international development organisations to address the challenges of our cities. Since according to the climate agreement, industrialized countries are responsible for providing financial assistance to the affected countries through the Loss and Damage Fund, we are calling on them for financial grants instead of loans."

Mohammad Ejaz also announced plans to build urban hostels, rest centres, and public toilets to build a healthy Dhaka.