Experts on Saturday said that goodwill and proper planning are needed to make Dhaka a liveable city. They also emphasised awareness among the people to protect the environment as well as for planned development. The combined efforts of all will make the city safe and livable, they added.
They came up with this comment while speaking at a roundtable jointly organised by Orion Group and daily Kaler Kantho at East West Media Group Limited auditorium, Bashundhara residential area in the capital. Housing and Public Works Minister, SM Rezaul Karim, was the chief guest at the programme.
The Minister said, “After taking responsibility, I have taken measures against dishonest and corrupt officials. I did not give up despite pressure from different influential groups. After investigating the irregularities of Ruppur Power Plant Pillow matters, I had took measures against the persons who were engaged.”
“I have also announced that no lobbying will be allowed at Rajuk. As per the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, We have been working against corruption in principle of zero tolerance,” he said. Mentioning Bangladesh is now on the development highway, the minister said, “We have created modern waste management system in developing new towns like Purbachal. After collecting waste, we will destroy it there. It will not affect the environment.”
Kaler Kantho Editor Imdadul Haque Milon said, “Dhaka has lost its beauty and it is difficult to live in the city due to overpopulation. Necessary steps should be taken to develop a green city.” Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) Chairman Dr Sultan Ahmed said, “We have to use modern technology in removing waste. We need to be more aware about implementing the master plan.”
Urging city dwellers to build houses in accordance with the laws of Rajuk, he said, “If you fail to confirm the quality, you will have a negative impact during earthquake or disaster.” Secretary General of Bangladesh Land Development Association (BLDA) Mostafa Kamal Mohiuddin said, “After 5 years of independence, if you only have to plan, when will it be implemented? Some say,still there are different limitations. I think there is no limitation of the government now. This requires proper management in this regard.”
At the programme, Chairman of National Housing Authority, Md Rashidul Islam said, “We have kept all modern facilities in new buildings. A project is being implemented in Mirpur for the development of slum dwellers in the capital. Another project has been undertaken to ensure the accommodation of non-Bengalis in Mohammadpur. Therefore, the modern and livable Dhaka will be built with all classes of people including slum dwellers. Because modern Dhaka will never be implemented without the development of slums.”
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Chief Waste Management Officer, Air Commodore Md Zahid Hossain, said, “Bangladesh is the only country where no budget has been given for waste management. A big portion of annual revenue of the city corporation has to be spent in this sector. So, I urge the government to allocate in this sector.”
Professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Kazi Saifun Newaz said, “We have to ensure road safety in order to make a safe and livable city. The government should not give any approval of establishment without Traffic Impact Assessment.” Among others, Public Transport expert, Dr Salah Uddin Ahmed, Dhaka South City Corporation (DNCC) Chief Waste Management Officer, Air Commodore Monjur Ahmed, Chief Town Planner of Rajuk Ashraful Isalm, DNCC Chief Engineer Md Sharif Uddin, and President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners Adil Mohammad Khan were present.
