Protecting environment, public health to be prioritised: Dhaka North administrator

Environmental protection, public health preservation, and resolving the issue of waterlogging will be prioritised in the city corporation's development initiatives, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz said today.

The newly-installed administrator held a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the DNCC hall room on Monday (17 February).

Before the meeting, Azaz inaugurated a photo gallery titled "Immortal Memory of the July Uprising" at the entrance wall of Gulshan Nagar Bhaban's ground floor. The gallery sequentially presents the events of the July Uprising through photographs.

He said, "Ensuring a livable city for Dhaka means maintaining a healthy environment, ensuring clean air, saving rivers and canals, and creating open spaces for children to play, and for people to walk and relax. Roads, drainage, water, and waste management systems must function efficiently."

"Initiatives have been taken to recover and excavate canals to alleviate waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon. Drainage system improvements will be coordinated with WASA and the Dhaka South City Corporation. DNCC's development projects will prioritize democratic processes, involving local residents and stakeholders in decision-making. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring fair civic services for marginalized communities," he added.

On the removal of illegal banners and posters, Azaz stated, "Banners and posters will be removed from roads. PVC banners, which are extremely harmful to the environment, are strictly prohibited. The July Uprising graffiti on walls will be preserved, and fines will be imposed for placing posters or banners. DNCC will also remain free from political influence."

He also noted, "I have visited Uttarkhan after taking charge. Initiatives have been taken to establish a park, a playground, and a community complex by demarcating and evicting illegal structures at three locations. The park will be built beside the Teromukh Bridge, while a playground and a community complex will be constructed in Amaya and Kanchkura."

Administrator Azaz announced the formation of three honorary advisory committees for DNCC operations: the Biodiversity Committee, the Diaspora Committee, and the General Committee.

The meeting was also attended by Chief Executive Officer of DNCC Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman, Secretary Mohammad Masud Alam Siddique, Chief Engineer Brig. Gen. Md. Moin Uddin, Chief Health Officer Brig. Gen. Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore ABM Shamsul Alam, and other officials.