News Desk

On March 03, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized the urgent need to build a clean and green Dhaka while protecting city residents from mosquito-borne diseases, ahead of the approaching monsoon season.

Speaking at a meeting with city corporation administrators at his secretariat office, the premier highlighted three priorities: a clean Dhaka, a green Dhaka, and robust mosquito control measures, Md Abdus Salam told reporters.

Present at the meeting were Md. Safiqul Islam Khan of Dhaka North City Corporation and Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarkar of Gazipur City Corporation.

Abdus Salam said the meeting also addressed financial concerns, as revenue collection in recent months fell short of expectations, leading to a potential budgetary crisis. “We have requested a block allocation from the Prime Minister and sought guidance for cooperation from the Local Government Ministry,” he said.

The DSCC administrator warned that indiscriminate work orders from the previous administration could jeopardize city corporation operations. “Implementing all past work orders without review could collapse the corporation. That cannot be allowed,” he noted.

With monsoon season approaching and the risk of dengue rising, Salam stressed that mosquito control must be prioritized. He added that Dhaka, which has become a “factory of waste,” must be cleaned and revitalized. Efforts are already underway, including canal excavation and citywide cleanliness drives. A one-month crash program has been launched in Dhaka South to improve sanitation rapidly.

Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Md. Safiqul Islam Khan also highlighted the corporation’s precarious financial state. He revealed that although tenders and work orders totaling Tk 1,470 crore have been issued, only Tk 25 crore remains in the coffers. “With a monthly salary expenditure of Tk 13 crore, only Tk 12 crore is available for operations. This shows how strained our capacity is for development activities,” he said.

Despite the financial challenges, both administrators said the Prime Minister assured them of full support. “We are committed to moving forward, providing necessary public services, and fulfilling our promise to the public,” said Khan.

The meeting underscores the government’s focus on sustainable urban management, waste reduction, and proactive health measures to protect residents from vector-borne diseases.