BNP’s Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayoral candidate Tabith Awal on Monday unveiled his election manifesto promising to turn Dhaka into a sustainable world-class city.
He outlined a 19-point manifesto in light of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals-2030 with a focus on combating mosquito menace, traffic congestion and pollution, improving public transport and waste management.
The BNP mayoral aspirant formally rolled out the manifesto at a press conference at Emmanuelle’s Banquet Hall, Gulshan.
Tabith said he will take steps to ensure the rights and security of citizens if he is elected the DNCC mayor.
He said the incumbent government and mayors have failed to handle the mosquito issue.
“If elected, I’ll carry out mosquito repellent activities throughout the year. Dengue is now a manageable problem, the city corporation didn’t take such an initiative, and the diseases spread badly due to their negligence. I’ll initiate the dengue preventive activities from February 1, if I elected mayor,” Tabith promised.
The BNP candidate said he will work for reducing traffic jam and take effective steps to stop air pollution in the city.
Dhaka ranked third on the list of cities with worst air. The capital city has been grappling with air pollution for years.
As part of his plan to free Dhaka from pollution, the BNP candidate said he would take steps for increasing the greeneries in the DNCC.
Apart from launching the ‘vertical garden’ project, Tabith said he has also a plan to start a city-friendly agricultural system. “Certificates will be given to eco-friendly buildings.” He also promised to control noise pollution as per the court’s directives.
Tabith, the candidate of Sheaf of Paddy, also assured that he would take steps to relocate the chemical factories to a place outside Dhaka to check the fire incidents.
He said all city wastes will be removed in between 12am and 5pm while recycling centers will be established.
The BNP mayoral runner said has also a plan to construct a ‘modern slaughter house’ for slaughtering cattle.
For the development of the transport management, Tabith said he will take effective steps to ensure coordination among police, BRTA and other relevant organisations.
Besides, he said, the routes in Dhaka will be redesigned alongside introducing electric and hydrogen powered buses and safe buses during night time.
He also outlined various other plans to construct ‘common utility bypass and tunnel, footover bridges and parking system. In his manifesto, Tabith pledged to introduce ‘remote and virtual’ medical services and ‘mobile medical units and form a special women cell’ for women and children with disabilities as part of his plans to improve the healthcare system.
He also worked plans to set up a ward-based recreation centres for the city dwellers and modernise children’s’ parks. Tabith urged the voters to elect him the DNCC mayor so that he can implement his plans. “I promise I won’t compromise with the issues of city dwellers civic rights and facilities. I won’t betray or deceive the city dwellers.”
Asked whether it will be possible to implement the manifesto even if he is elected, given that he belongs to the opposition party, Tabith said: “It’ll be, if people remain by my side.”
His other pledges include making Dhaka friendlier to women, children and physically-challenged people, ensuring security, safe water and food, improving disaster management, preventing crimes and corruption.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and Nazrul Islam Khan, vice-chairmen Mohammad Shahjahan and Abdul Awal Mintoo, Kalyan Party Chairman Syed Muhammad Ibrahim, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President ASM Abdur Rob, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna and Gonoshasthya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury were, among others, present.
