City corporations return to full operations

After a 15-day hiatus, all 12 city corporations across the country, including Dhaka's two city corporations, have resumed full operational activities. 

Government-appointed administrators officially began their duties at these corporations on Tuesday. 

Administrators say they have prioritised enhancing citizen services, including mosquito control, waste management, birth and death registration, and tackling corruption and nepotism within the city corporations. 

On Monday, the government removed the mayors of all city corporations, including Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Md Atiqul Islam of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). No decision has been made regarding the city corporation councillors.

Following Sheikh Hasina's departure from the country on 5 August, the mayors went missing.

Administrators from Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, Barisal, Chattogram, and other cities on Tuesday outlined their plans and priorities to journalists. 

Officials from DNCC said that since 5 August, several officials from the mayor's office and the Engineering Department had been absent. Many employees who previously misused their authority under party banners did not attend. 

Despite this, most officials and employees had been present, albeit with reduced productivity. With the new administrator in place, activities have resumed fully.

Mosquito control and waste management activities in Dhaka North continued without disruption, although some citizen services, including birth and death registrations, were impacted, city corporation officials added.

In Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), officials noted significant improvement following the administrator's appointment. Issues of chaos, particularly those involving misuse of party banners for illegal benefits, were being addressed. 

The administrators have indicated that the government will make a central decision regarding the services provided through city corporation councillors and their roles. 

Md Mahmudul Hasan, additional secretary (director general) of the Local Government Division, was appointed as the administrator of DNCC. 

He said, "We will conduct our activities with the highest priority to meet public expectations from the interim government. DNCC is a service-oriented organisation. We will take steps to expand services in line with public expectations and seek public cooperation."

Dr Moh Sher Ali, appointed as the administrator of DSCC, said that he had discussed challenges with colleagues on his first day and provided directions for improving citizen services. 

"We hope to continue providing these services with the utmost importance," he said. 

Gazipur City Corporation's new administrator, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner (additional secretary) Sabirul Islam, held a meeting with senior officials and inspected the city building. 

He said, "The government aims to build a corruption-free and equitable state. We must remember that our salaries are paid with taxpayers' money, so we need to ensure full-service delivery."

Narayanganj City Corporation Administrator AHM Kamruzzaman said that he was holding meetings to discuss actions needed for service provision. 

"Traffic congestion and water problems are significant issues in Narayanganj. We hope to make progress with public cooperation," added the administrator. 

Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Md Zakir Hossain on Tuesday conducted a meeting with all branch heads to discuss ongoing operations.