Taposh-Khokon’s difference of opinion will be resolved with time: LGRD Minister

The difference of opinion between Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposhand former DSCC Mayor Saeed Khokonwill be resolved with time.

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam made the comments while talking to reporters at his Secretariat office in the capital on Tuesday.

He briefed the media after attending the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected members of Chuadanga and Naogaon district councils.

He said there may be a difference of opinion between Taposh and Khokon, but he hoped any issues would be resolved in due course."

Commenting on Monday's twin cases filed against Khokon by two ofTaposh's'well-wishers', the minister said, "I have learnt that Barrister Taposh did not want the case to be filed and apparently the cases will be withdrawn."

Responding to a question from reporters regarding BNP criticisingAwami League over the conflict between the two mayors, Tajul said, "BNP creates issues in everything. We do not pay heed to any illogical or negative comments made by BNP. There is no reason to worry about it. Awami League is a large traditional party, and the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is leading the country."

Disagreements between the two mayors will not tarnish the party's image, the minister claimed.

Responding to a question on the transfer of drainage management of Dhaka, he said, "The responsibility of managing drains and canals was handed over by WASA to the two city corporations, which have now been tasked with modernizing the system. Next steps will be finalised in a meeting to be attended by both mayors and ministry officials. The two mayors will be informed about an action plan developed by the ministry. This will also give us a chance to learn more about the city corporations' plans."

Responding to another media query on the rise of dengue mosquitoes in the capital, the minister said regular campaigns are underway to control aedes mosquitoes in some areas. 

An inter-ministerial meeting will be convened next week with the two city corporations to decide next steps on mosquito control, he said.

In reply to another query about construction of a new city on the banks of the Turag, Tajul Islam said that the planned development will have more than 80% water bodies and will be a prettier city than Singapore or Bangkok.

Members Mizanur Rahman and Nippon Biswas of Chuadangaand Naogaon District Councils respectively took their oaths. The event was conducted by Helaluddin Ahmed, senior secretary ofthe Local Government Department.