Young political leaders unite for cleaner, safer sanitation in Dhaka
“As part of our field work, we submitted a memorandum to the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on August 14, signed by 224 citizens, demanding immediate action for the renovation of public toilets,” said Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Youth Power Central Committee Dhyuti Arannya Chowdhury
Young leaders from multiple political parties have come together under a unique cross-party initiative to promote a cleaner, safer, and more citizen-friendly sanitation system in the capital.
At a press conference held today (October 15) at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity, participants of the Young Leaders Fellowship Programme under Democracy International (DI) called for the urgent repair and renovation of the public toilet adjacent to the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Ramna.
Speaking at the event, Dhyuti Arannya Chowdhury, senior joint member secretary of the National Youth Power central committee, said the four-month DI fellowship focuses on urban sanitation issues in Dhaka. "As part of our field work, we submitted a memorandum to the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on August 14, signed by 224 citizens, demanding immediate action for the renovation of public toilets," she said.
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She added that DSCC Chief Executive Officer Md Zahirul Islam had received the memorandum and assured them that the renovation work would begin soon. "However, two months have passed without any visible progress. The lack of implementation is deeply frustrating for us," Dhyuti said.
She further noted that drainage, sewage, and sanitation are basic foundations of urban life, yet Dhaka's condition remains highly unsatisfactory. "We are working beyond political boundaries to ensure long-term and sustainable solutions," she added.
From the press conference, the young leaders placed a five-point demand: Immediate repair and renovation of public toilets; Ensuring women-friendly and safe sanitation facilities; Establishing an effective maintenance and monitoring system; Improving drainage and waste management; and Ensuring transparency and accountability in city corporation activities.
Among others present were Md Golam Mostafa, joint convener of Bangladesh Youth Federation; Injamul Haque, joint member secretary of National Youth Power; Mousumi Sheikh, joint general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Dhaka University unit; Mallik Wasi Uddin Tami, office secretary of the same unit; Rokeya Zabeed Maya, organisational secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad; and Anika Anjum Arni, organisational secretary of Bangladesh Chhatra Union, Dhaka University unit.
