Dhaka: Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Sheikh Robiul Alam today announced that the government is focused on creating an accountable governance system through public participation in the service delivery processes of city corporations across the country. Addressing a public hearing hosted by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Robiul emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among the government, city corporations, and citizens for effective urban management.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the public hearing was organized to enhance the dynamism, transparency, accountability, and participation in DSCC’s citizen services and development activities. The event, focusing on issues in DSCC’s region-1, took place at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi. It was chaired by DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam, with residents, civil society representatives, business leaders, journalists, and government officials from Dhanmondi, New Market, Kalabagan, Shahbagh, and nearby neighborhoods in attendance.
Participants voiced concerns and suggestions on various civic services including waste management, road and infrastructure development, water logging, sanitation, trade licenses, holding taxes, and public health. Expressing optimism, Robiul Alam noted that the hearing would align public expectations with government development plans, thus improving service quality and accountability.
Additionally, Robiul Alam announced that Dhanmondi Lake would not be used for commercial purposes and a project worth approximately Taka 350 crore has been initiated to tackle water logging issues. Efforts to restore order in urban management will continue with stricter regulation of street vending activities and enhanced public interest oversight.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the expected changes and improvements, working towards a transparent, accountable, and participatory urban governance system. DSCC Administrator Md. Abdus Salam highlighted the city corporation’s achievements in cleanliness operations, including the successful removal of sacrificial animal waste during Eid-ul-Azha. He stressed that maintaining a clean city requires collective citizen effort and adherence to regulations.
Regarding Dhanmondi Lake, Salam mentioned plans to enhance its aesthetic appeal, environmental friendliness, and accessibility, assuring no commercial projects would be undertaken there. On street vendors, he indicated that designated locations would be provided for their activities and emphasized raising awareness about proper waste disposal to facilitate efficient garbage removal by DSCC.
Salam assured that public expectations, complaints, and recommendations will be prioritized, and effective measures will be taken to improve urban services quality. DSCC officials also noted that similar public hearings will be held gradually across all 10 regions of the city corporation.