Dhaka: Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has successfully removed a total of 18,344 tonnes of waste in the three days following Eid-ul-Azha. DNCC garbage trucks collected 3,553 tonnes of sacrificial animal waste until 6:00 pm on the third day of Eid, according to DNCC administrator Mohammad Shafiqul Islam Khan at a press conference on Saturday evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the administrator detailed that under DNCC's 72-hour integrated action plan for sacrificial waste management, nearly all sacrificial animal waste was removed from the northern part of the city. This was achieved with the cooperation of citizens, journalists, and DNCC officials and employees. Out of the 10 cattle markets leased by DNCC, four have been completely cleaned, while waste removal efforts at the remaining markets are ongoing.
The administrator noted that sacrificial activities were still underway in various parts of the city on the third day of Eid. DNCC's waste removal operations would continue irrespective of the waste volume generated. He expressed gratitude to journalists for their cooperation, mentioning that waste scattered across various neighborhoods had been promptly removed based on information provided by journalists.
Efforts to maintain the northern part of the capital clean have been ongoing through coordinated initiatives involving different DNCC departments since the administrator assumed office. These efforts will continue, and regular household waste will be removed as usual. The administrator also addressed misinformation being spread on social media using artificial intelligence, which aims to tarnish the government's and DNCC's image concerning the metro rail system. He urged journalists and residents to verify facts at the metro rail stations and called on media professionals to publish accurate reports.
In response to a question, the administrator stated that 752 vehicles were deployed in DNCC's waste removal operations. Despite temporary mechanical issues with a few vehicles, operations continued through alternative arrangements. On the suspension of two DNCC officials, he clarified that it was related to allegations in regular household waste management, not sacrificial waste management, and necessary measures would be taken following an investigation.
The administrator also announced a 48-hour special cleanliness drive beginning on Sunday morning after the 72-hour plan. A committee led by the Chief Health Officer will implement the program. Regarding the cattle market leaseholders, he mentioned that their security deposits are preserved, and action will be taken if negligence in market management is proven after an investigation.
Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Qayes Chowdhury, Acting Secretary Mamunur Rahman, and other senior DNCC officials were present at the press conference.