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CITY CORPORATION ELECTI0NS 2018 : Rajshahi

Candidates all for idea of city government

Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
Four mayor candidates at a dialogue in Rajshahi yesterday gave a unanimous opinion for introducing city government, an idea to bring all civic service providers under one authority and ensure coordinated development activities.
They also said there is a need for agreement of political parties on local issues, while the privileged section of the society has to come forward to help those lagging behind.
The candidates pointed out that the city needs a sufficient number of public toilets, conservation of its ponds and planned infrastructural development.
Awami League's mayor aspirant AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, BNP’s Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, independent candidate Murad Morshed and Jatiya Party's Habibur Rahman spoke at the dialogue. Of the five mayoral candidates, only Islami Andolon Bangladesh's Shafikul Islam skipped the discussion.
Rajshahi Divisional Journalists' Association in Dhaka organised the dialogue on "The Rajshahi we want", in the auditorium of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries (RCCI). The association's president Khairuzzaman Kamal was in the chair, and its vice president Anwarul Haque moderated the dialogue.
Singer Andrew Kishore, cricketer Khaled Masud Pilot, actors Abdul Aziz, Arman Parvez Murad, eminent local people Ahmed Shafiuddin, Kolpona Roy and Zamat Khan also spoke, among others.
The speakers said they want a long-term development plan regarding construction of infrastructure, tree plantation, controlled use of underground water, beautification of the Padma river bank, and protection of the city ponds.
in nis speecn, Khairuzzaman Liton said if a city governance system was in place, police and different other government departments including Rajshahi Development Authority, Roads and Highways Department, and Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) would be under the city corporation.
“When I was mayor, various departments including of telephone, Wasa and gas dug the roads of the city immediately after we rebuilt those. This caused immense public sufferings. It was because of non-cooperation with the city corporation."
Liton said that in city government all government agencies would cooperate with the corporation and align their development activities. He also said the mayor should have the status of a full minister.
BNP's Bulbul said, "For different problems, the city dwellers blame the mayor first. Why should I be answerable for the poor services of a hospital or the problems of electricity when I'm not involved with those departments?"