Extortion syndicates disrupt waste management in Dhaka: DNCC administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has alleged that the city's waste management efforts are being severely hampered by the influence of extortion syndicates. He also noted that these groups are making it increasingly difficult to reclaim occupied sidewalks.

He made these remarks on Saturday (July 19) while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a "Waste Cleanup and Tree Plantation Program" held along the Banashree canal (Narai River) area. The event was organized by the organization Sammana Parishad, Banashree, with full support from DNCC.

Mohammad Ejaz stated that a masterplan is currently being developed with assistance from the World Bank to improve waste management in areas surrounding the Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara lakes. He also called upon city residents to become more environmentally conscious.

“Planting trees is not enough. We must take care of them for two to three years to ensure they survive and thrive. Only then can we build a sustainable green city,” he said.

Urging greater civic awareness, he added, “This city belongs to all of us. It is our collective responsibility to preserve its beauty and public health.”

The event was presided over by Md. Shahabuddin Shikder, President of Sammana Parishad, Banashree. As part of the program, a cleanup campaign and tree planting drive were carried out from the Nanjing Community Center to the canal area. Local residents, volunteer groups, and DNCC’s sanitation department actively participated in the initiative.