The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) will assist action against guilty councillors, and not take responsibility for the wrongdoings of any councillor.
DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam made the remarks at an event marking Community Policing Day on the Government Titumir College premises on Saturday.
In his speech as the chief guest, Mayor Atiqul Islam said, “The city corporation will help to take action against the accused councilors in the recent cleansing operation. The councilors who did illegal activities must be punished. DNCC will cooperate with law enforcement agencies to bring the culprits under law.”
Mayor Atiqul said, the misconduct of a few councillors has left him disappointed.
“I am very disappointed about the illegal activities of the accused councilors. I do not take or pay any extortion money. The law enforcement will take action against anyone who trafficks drugs, engages in extortion or land-grabbing. The DNCC has no say in it. Each individual is accountable for his own actions.”
Moreover, after a Dhaka South City Corporation councillor was implicated in the illegal casino business, the Rapid Action Battalion arrested two councillors of the DNCC amid the crackdown on corruption and other misdeeds by leaders of the Awami League and its affiliate organisations.
Addressing the city corporation's drive to clear footpaths of encroachment, the mayor noted that although the majority of people are pleased with the initiative, a small faction of the population is unhappy about it.
Atiqul Islam said, “Less than one percent of people are unhappy. They run businesses and commit extortion on the sidewalks. The saddest part is that they hand photos and banners of influential leaders to occupy the spaces. Our stand is clear – we will not tolerate illegal occupation of footpaths.”
The mayor also announced the DNCC plans to put up complaint boxes to allow women’s voice as priority.
“We want to make Dhaka a woman-friendly city. We will keep their names and addresses confidential. Police will later look into it and take appropriate measures after speaking to them,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of community policing, Atiqul urged citizens to assist in the fight to curb crimes, militancy and drug use.
Stating that the entire city corporation area will be covered by CCTV cameras, the DNCC mayor said, “The city corporation will assist the police in case of misconduct. The police are friends of the people. People should also help the police.”
Among others, Lawmaker Akbar Hossain Khan Pathan, Lawmaker AKM Rahmatullah, Joint police Commissioner of DMP Sheikh Nazmul Alam, and Titumir College Principal, Md Ashraf Hossain, also spoke.