PM Calls for Clean, Green Dhaka, Urges Mosquito Control

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday emphasised the need for a clean and green city and urged authorities to protect residents from mosquito-borne diseases.

“The Prime Minister highlighted three priorities—clean Dhaka, green Dhaka, and safeguarding citizens from mosquito infestation,” said Md Abdus Salam, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) administrator, after meeting with the premier at his secretariat office.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan and Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) administrator Md Shawkat Hossain Sarkar also attended the meeting.

Abdus Salam noted that recent revenue collection has fallen short compared to previous years, creating financial strain for city corporations. “We informed the Prime Minister about the issue and requested a block allocation and cooperation from the Local Government Ministry for ongoing projects,” he said.

The DSCC administrator also warned that unreviewed work orders from the previous administration could threaten the corporation’s stability. “If we implement all previous work orders without assessment, the city corporation will collapse. That cannot happen,” he said.

With monsoon approaching and the risk of dengue rising, Salam stressed that mosquito control must be prioritized. He called for urgent measures to improve waste management, describing the city as having become a “factory of waste.”

Since assuming office, administrators of Dhaka South, Dhaka North, and Gazipur have been coordinating efforts to strengthen waste management, including canal excavation and cleanliness drives to prevent mosquito breeding. “I have launched a one-month crash programme in Dhaka South to improve sanitation,” Salam added.

Dhaka North administrator Md. Safiqul Islam Khan highlighted the corporation’s financial difficulties. “The corporation is fragile. There are tenders and work orders worth Tk 1,470 crore, but only Tk 25 crore is available. With monthly salary expenses at Tk 13 crore, only Tk 12 crore remains for other activities. This is a serious challenge,” he said.

He added that the prime minister assured full support. “We are committed to serving public welfare and will move forward to provide essential services,” Khan said.