Awami League Mayor Candidate for the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has promised to reach citizen services to the people's doorsteps within first 90 days if he is elected.
In an exclusive interview with Jago News, Taposh also shared how he wants to adorn Dhaka, will ensure what kinds of amenities for the city dwellers and what kind of measures he will take to protect heritages of Old Dhaka.
Jago News: What will be your first job if you are elected Dhaka South city mayor?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: I want to move forward with five things. These are heritage of Dhaka, its beauty, activeness, good governance, and development.
If people elect me as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, I will reach fundamental citizen facilities to the doorsteps within first 90 days of my charge. Besides, I will take some big plans within the period.
Within next three months, will make action plan and work plane and take steps to implement these.
Apart from this, an election manifesto featuring matters of Dhaka South City Corporation would be placed before the people.
Jago News: Lack of coordination among the organizations concerned are blamed for road digging throughout 12 months that causes sufferings to the city residents. What steps you will take in this reagrd?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: In city corporation law, other organizations have been asked to work coordinating with city corporations. But compliance with the law is barely seen.
Centering 2041, we will take a long-term action plan sitting with all organizations concerned. Demand letters would be taken from all establishments before starting road works and enough time given them to complete their tasks with an objective of avoiding erratic digging.
After completion of the works, no organization can dig the road within at least three years. After each three years, the roads would be renovated.
Jago News: You said making a developed city ahead of 2041. City is being developed but people in the same way do not get citizen opportunities and life standard remain same- do you have any plan about this?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: I want to decorate Dhaka South City Corporation as a developed one because a prosperous capital is inevitable for advancement of Bangladesh.
I have seen people under Dhaka South city are still now neglected and their fundamental necessities were not ensured that frustrates and hurts me. I will take various measures to resolve the problems.
I will take it as a challenge to fulfill Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's dream of a developed capital.
Jago News: Traffic jam is a big pain for Dhaka residents. Do you have any thought about solution of the matter.....
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: Tailback is a big and prime problem for Dhaka dwellers. Now works of metro rail added extra trouble to it. It needs quick effective measure for this.
Rivers besides the Dhaka can be put to use in mitigating traffic congestion. I have a plan to construct eight-lane road along the river banks. Hope we can ensure desired communication of people from any areas of through this road.
Jago News: Day by day capital Dhaka is turning into a slaughty-house. There are not enough playgrounds and recreational measures. Playgrounds of the children is being illegally occupied. Some are being renovated. Do you have any special plan regarding this?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: It is true that there are no adequate playgrounds in Dhaka. Children cannot play that causes their deviation. We will try our best to arrange at least one playground each ward.
Jago News: Want to know your plan about narrow roads in Old Dhaka, and protection of heritages there?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: We have definite plan for renovation of the roads to bring back lost beauty of Old Dhaka.
I am also thinking about bringing plying of horse vehicle into practice in Old Dhaka.
I will make Old Dhaks's 'Panchayet custom' effective through which any kind of problems, including drug, of the locality would be settled.
Jago News: City government is seen in developed countries but we could not introduce the same. Former mayor also talked about this. What is your observation regarding this?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: City Corporation has been given enough power. Having city government in is not necessary if the power is practiced properly. We will have an own election manifesto to form developed city and we will implement our promises accordingly.
Jago News: Various corruption allegations surfaced over development works of City Corporations. Corrupt official-employee are also there. What step will you take if you are elected mayor?
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh: My first job would be to make this city corporation corruption free. The city corporation has skilled, experienced and good manpower. If necessity, they would be provided incentives to perform duties with enthusiasm.
As part of ensuring citizen services, Dhaka South City Corporation bhaban will remain open 24 hours.