DSCC administrator vows to turn Dhaka into liveable city in 2 years

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam has expressed his determination to transform the capital into a quality liveable city within the next two years.

He made the pledge while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled 'Why Does Rain Cause Suffering in Dhaka', organised by the Urban Development Journalists Forum at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Saturday, May 23.

To change the current picture of Dhaka, a joint initiative of citizens and government organisations is needed, he said. If the public fulfills 50 per cent of their responsibilities and the city corporation or government takes care of the remaining 50 per cent, building a beautiful and liveable city is possible, he added.

He further said that to remove Dhaka's reputation as the most polluted, garbage-filled and mosquito-infested city in the world, planned urban management and citizen discipline are essential.

Regarding the political situation, he said the new government has recently taken office after a political change. The government should be given time. At least two to three years should be given to see whether they can solve the basic problems of the people.

He also said it would not be right to create political revenge or instability to hinder development.

He called upon all political parties and citizens to work together to control dengue, maintain city cleanliness and ease traffic congestion.

At another event organised at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity on the same day, the DSCC administrator announced that a permanent cultural centre called 'Nazrul Chattar' would be built next to Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi.

He said the initiative is being implemented with the consent of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and construction will begin after Eid. The centre will include a library where the literature, songs, plays, essays and life's work of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be preserved.

Nazrul's literature is a source of inspiration for people of all ages, he said. His writings awaken the spirit of protest against injustice and inequality and strengthen human values.