Strict action against officials if irregularities found in service delivery: Dhaka North administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has stated that strict action will be taken if any irregularities by DNCC officials or employees in service delivery are proven.

He made the remarks during a public hearing with residents of 18 newly added wards at the DNCC Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan today. 

The event was attended by school and college teachers, mosque imams, market committee leaders, society representatives, youth and student representatives, and local dignitaries.

At the hearing, Ejaz, in response to a resident's question, said, "If any DNCC official or employee is found involved in irregularities, strict action will be taken. I have already warned everyone after taking charge – no corruption will be tolerated, and any proven misconduct will face consequences."

He further highlighted the challenges faced by DNCC after the inclusion of 18 new wards alongside the existing 36.

Ejaz said, "The responsibility for drainage management has been handed over to us, along with the transfer of canals from WASA. However, DNCC has not received the necessary manpower, vehicles, or equipment to manage these tasks."

"Staffing has decreased over time due to retirements and deaths, making it challenging to ensure services for the growing population. We have informed the ministry and are taking steps to recruit more staff," he added.

On mosquito control, Ejaz said, "It is a major challenge which the DNCC cannot tackle alone; public cooperation and awareness are needed. 

"Our workers regularly spray insecticides and conduct cleaning operations, yet mosquitoes remain a problem. Often, our teams cannot enter certain buildings due to security restrictions." 

"People throw waste through windows into spaces between buildings, where our staff cannot reach for cleaning or larviciding. Mosquitoes breed in these neglected areas. Residents must ensure cleanliness within their own premises," he continued.

He added, "Our magistrates conduct mobile courts and impose fines when mosquito larvae are found, but this is not a permanent solution. Without public awareness, these efforts will not succeed. 

"We are also working to ensure treatment for dengue patients at our Mohakhali hospital and are coordinating with the health ministry to improve service quality."

The DNCC administrator also mentioned that open spaces and government-owned vacant lands in newly incorporated areas will be developed into parks and playgrounds. 

"Unplanned development had already begun in the new wards, with individuals constructing buildings as they pleased. Many areas appear vacant in the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and we will coordinate with Rajuk to preserve these spaces," Ejaz said.

"No construction will be allowed on spaces marked for parks or fields. Where government land is available, we will collaborate with district offices and other agencies to develop parks and fields," he added.