Atiqul promises his best efforts to fight Covid-19, dengue

Commencing his duties as mayor of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), for a second term, Atiqul Islam, on Wednesday, pledged to deploy his best efforts in the battles against Covid-19 and dengue.

Giving his reaction at a virtual press briefing, he admitted that there had been some indiscipline in relief distribution, in his city corporation area, at the beginning of the novel coronavirus crisis.

He said, "So far, relief has been distributed among three lakh people in the DNCC. Some indiscipline occurred initially, but in the end, relief distribution took place properly – through ward councillors."

He said relief distribution is ongoing and all necessary measures will be taken to make sure that all lower-income and poor people in the area receive relief. 

Outlining different steps to combat the novel coronavirus, Atiqul said handwashing facilities have been arranged on different roads in the DNCC area. Further, he mentioned that virus disinfectant has been sprayed, via water bowsers, everywhere across the city. 

"We have been working to set up eight Covid-19 sample collection booths with the help of Brac. They will go into operation by the next week," he said.

"Additionally, we have been working on setting up a PCR lab. Our Mohakhali Market has been dedicated to setting up an isolation centre." 

On the dengue menace, the mayor said, "Our mobile court activities started on May 10. We will launch a combing operation on May 16 to bring the mosquito situation under control."

Atiqul Islam said dengue test, for members of the media and their families, will be carried out at the Mohakhali Community Centre.

"We will provide health insurance facilities, for free, if any DNCC staff member is infected with the novel coronavirus while on duty," he said, adding that ward councillors will be included in these activities.

Asked if he, as the DNCC mayor, will close shopping centres, Atiqul said he will sit with the representatives of the shopping centres next week to take a decision in this regard.

He sought the cooperation of the city dwellers in the battle against coronavirus and dengue.

Atiqul was elected mayor on an Awami League ticket and defeated BNP candidate Tabith Awal in an election on February 1. He then took his oath of office on February 27.

Also present at a ceremony to welcome the mayor were DNCC Chief Executive Officer Md Abdul Hai, Secretary Rabindra Shri Barua and Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Md Mominur Rahman Mamun.