BNP-backed mayoral candidate for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls Tabith Awal Thursday pledged to introduce a city government and traffic jam-free, clean and safe footpaths in Dhaka city.
He also promised to go for a logical solution to power, gas and water shortages, setting up of public toilets for women, playing ground, park and standard schools in every ward of the city.
"If I am elected Mayor of DNCC, one of my first priorities will be to introduce a city or metro government," Mr Tabith said replying to a question while announcing his manifesto at a press conference at his electoral office at Tejgaon Link Road in Dhaka.
BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed, Adorsho Dhaka Andolon convener Emajuddin Ahmed and member secretary Shaukat Mahmud also spoke on the occasion.
Mr Tabith, the youngest mayoral candidate, said: "I will pursue a city government with the help of all other elected mayors of other cities."
Giving thanks to previous mayors who tried to introduce a city government, he said previous city mayors had tried to introduce the concept but failed, but they took the process ahead.
"I will also try my best for it and will talk to the government if I am elected."
If elected DNCC mayor, he will take steps to curb corruption, end harassment and other complexities over holding tax on city dwellers.
"Everything will be digitised. So there will be no corruption," Mr Tabith told journalists while replying to a query.
Replying to another query regarding how he will work if he is elected as his party is not in power, he said: "I have been given support by a political party but on April 28 people from all sections will cast their votes for me. If I am elected then, I will be the people's representative. So, I will not face problem in working."
"The people's overwhelming support will compel the government to cooperate with me."
Mr Tabith's manifesto started with food management where he promised to set up night markets or farmers' markets in the strategic and important points of the city for farmers and city dwellers. It said an initiative will be taken for urban agriculture and setting up of food courts in some specific places removing scattered vendors.
In the housing sector, he said holding taxes will be collected through mobile or internet technology to stop harassment and corruption.
He thought there are many ways to increase DNCC earnings. If elected, he will look into these.
He also pledged to build a pollution-free city.
Mr Tabith, son of noted businessman Abdul Awal Mintoo, said walkway along with health check-up booth would be set up in every park and free medical or mobile health service would be provided to the middle-income group.
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Tabith pledges to launch metro govt
FE Report | Published: April 17, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: April 16, 2015 23:40:07
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