Taposh pledges self-reliant Dhaka South

Ruling Awami League's mayor candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has pledged to make the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) the country's first corruption-free autonomous body.

"If I am elected, all basic civic services will be ensured within 90 days of taking charge. The DSCC will remain open round-the-clock," he made the promise while unveiling his manifesto for the February 1 election at the Awami League headquarters in Dhaka on Wednesday.  

The key points of Taposh's election campaign are: conservation of heritage, beautification, movability, good-governance and development. 

Heritage Dhaka

To uphold Dhaka's heritage on the global stage, the mayor candidate pledged to formulate a mega plan. And as per the plan, the land of former Dhaka central jail will be transformed into a heritage yard, and museums and art galleries will be built in localities across the DSCC area.

Beautiful Dhaka

Building adequate parks, rooftop gardens, playgrounds, gymnasiums, walkways and modern community centres has been featured in his election manifesto.

Taposh also pledged to upgrade the city's waste management and drainage network saying existing parks, theatres and banks of the Buriganga and Shitalakshya rivers will undergo forestation and beautification. 

Movable Dhaka

The Awami League candidate said he has plans to introduce separate lanes for motorised and non-motorised vehicles including rickshaws, bicycles and horse-drawn carts.

"Hawkers will be rehabilitated in phases to free footpaths. Adequate street lamps will be installed," he further pledged. 

To entertain city travellers, a hop-on-hop-off bus service will be introduced.

Well-governed Dhaka

Taposh said if elected, he would launch anti-mosquito drives from the very day of taking charge.

Additionally, he plans to introduce a coordinated one-stop service centre at the DSCC to help citizens avail hassle-free utility services.

He pledged to facilitate businesses with trade license within five days.

The DSCC would not increase the holding tax.    

According to the manifesto, adequate health facilities would be established while mother-child care and family planning would get special emphasis.

He also plans to establish vocational training centres and special arrangement of education and entertainment for autistic and physically challenged children.  

Taposh's election pledges also include strengthening Panchayat (local arbitration) system to check social crimes and installing fire hydrants at narrow alleys and effluent treatment plants at industries.

"After repairs or construction of roads by DSCC, no utility service providers would be allowed to cut them within the next three years," Taposh said.

Developed Dhaka

Citing from the City Corporation Act, Taposh said the DSCC is solely responsible for urban planning.

"A 30-year mega plan will be implemented to regulate building construction and land development. The lifespan of the infrastructures done by the DSCC will be a minimum 10 years," said Taposh.

His other pledges include the development of 18 new wards under the DSCC, sheltering climate refugees, accommodation for working women and students, digitizing payment and a 24/7 helpline.