In a historic first, the ruling party, the opposition, and the local government have launched a joint initiative to address chronic civic crises, including severe water and gas shortages, dengue outbreaks, canal encroachment, and cleanliness issues in the Dhaka-15 constituency by actively engaging local citizens.
Leader of the Opposition and Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Shafiqur Rahman, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan made the joint announcement today (1 July) during separate views-sharing meetings and physical inspections at four locations within the constituency.
The joint initiative officially commenced at 9am with an inspection of Lane 3 in West Shewrapara.
The leaders subsequently visited the East Monipur Baitur Rahim Jame Mashjid area, Baishteki Sarkar Bari intersection in Ward 4, and the Ibrahimpur Government Primary School area.
During the visits, they directly listened to public grievances regarding water shortages, gas supply issues, the dengue situation, illegal encroachment and clogging of the West Shewrapara canal, and cleanliness, promising swift solutions.
Unite for the first time
Highlighting the unprecedented nature of the collaboration, Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman stated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had listened to his words in Parliament, paving the way for the ruling and opposition parties to unite for the first time in history to solve local problems.
Acknowledging severe water shortages, gas crises, and the menace of juvenile gangs, the Jamaat ameer emphasised that the government or law enforcement agencies alone cannot solve these deep-rooted issues without public participation.
He urged every citizen to assist the government in improving the law and order situation, while expressing gratitude to the prime minister for organising the welfare-oriented meetings.
Echoing this collaborative spirit, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam confirmed that they had brought the entire DNCC team to hear public grievances under the direct instructions of the prime minister.
All problems in the Dhaka-15 constituency would be resolved on a priority basis, with the ruling and opposition parties working together to build an improved Dhaka, he assured the local residents.
Meanwhile, DNCC Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan
noted that the city corporation is working regularly to implement "Clean Dhaka, Green Dhaka".
Total Tk60 lakh
Highlighting that the prime minister himself has taken responsibility for the development of Dhaka-15, the Dhaka North administrator urged locals to cooperate in controlling dengue and juvenile crime.
As an immediate outcome of this joint drive, a decision was taken to urgently construct five water pumps to resolve the long-standing water crises in West Shewrapara and Monipuripara. The leaders urged locals to assist in quickly identifying suitable sites for the pumps.
Demonstrating their shared commitment to the project, the opposition leader, the state minister, and the DNCC administrator each announced a contribution of Tk20 lakh from their respective funds, pooling a total of Tk60 lakh for the initiative.
Managing Directors of the Dhaka Wasa and Titas Gas, alongside their high officials and local political leaders, were also present at the meetings.
Dhaka-15 / Civic / crises / managing crises / Canal Excavation / Jamat-e-Islami / BNP / Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) / cooperation
While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.
Copyright © 2026 THE BUSINESS STANDARD
All rights reserved.
