Will transform Dhaka within 3 years if elected mayor: Dhaka South administrator

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam has said if given the opportunity to serve as mayor, he would bring about a fundamental transformation of Dhaka within just three years.

Speaking to journalists this morning (11 April) before launching a cleanliness and mosquito control drive in Bailey Road, Kakrail and Moghbazar, he said the city corporation alone cannot eliminate mosquitoes or keep the capital clean.

The administrator said, "It is possible only if the citizens fulfill 50% of the responsibility and the city corporation fulfils the remaining 50%. Otherwise, the capital will never be fully clean, nor will mosquito control be effective. This is why we want public participation."

He added that mosquitoes cannot be completely eradicated but can be controlled. "If we fail to keep Dhaka's canals flowing, free from encroachment and waste, cleaning roads and alleys alone will not bring results."

Abdus Salam further said, "The prime minister appointed me as the administrator. I have the intention to contest as mayor. If I am given the opportunity in the next election, I will bring a radical change to Dhaka within two to three years."

He also noted that Dhaka had become so polluted that it was difficult to move around, and no one considers it a livable city. "We are trying to address these problems."

Regarding mosquito control, he said, "The effectiveness of the insecticide used by the city corporation has been tested in laboratories and found to be effective. The chemical is meant to control mosquitoes only; we have no authority to eliminate other insects."

Addressing illegal occupation and canal cleaning, he said a permanent solution depends on collective responsibility. "If we clear but people occupy the space again, the problem will persist. It is our own people who are responsible, so awareness is essential."