Dhaka will be made a livable city if Jamaat comes to power: Dr Shafiqur

Bangladesh Jamaat-e- Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said if his party is voted to power, it would turn Dhaka into a livable and safe city.

He made the promise while carrying out electoral campaign as the party candidate for Dhaka -15 constituency in the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad elections.

"If voted to power, we (Jamaat) will build Dhaka as a safe city where city dwellers could live safely and their properties and honour would also remain protected," he said.

"We will build a Bangladesh where Insaf (Justice) will be established through ensuring development of all," he added.

"We (Jamaat) will try to control price hike of essential commodities. We will give respite to city-dwellers from nagging traffic jams in Dhaka city. We will also establish playgrounds, children's parks and green belt in the city. It is our firm conviction to build a modern and livable Dhaka city," he continued.

"We will build our next generations as honest, efficient and competent. People of all religions and faiths could live side by side safely and peacefully," he said.

The Jamaat Ameer also promised that if voted to power, they would create an environment conducive for businesses. "The people of Bangladesh are united to face or resist expansionism and they will remain so in the future," he vowed.

"I first remember the martyrs and injured of July 24 Uprising along with Shaheed Osman Hadi," he said.

"Today standing before you (voters of Dhaka-15 constituency) I feel a sense of deep responsibility because Mirpur is not only a part of Dhaka city but also a symbol of courage, protest and struggle," he added.

"This Mirpur was one of the citadels of July 24 Uprising. But with great disappointment, I have to say that this Mirpur still remains neglected and has become a place of water stagnation, traffic jams, crimes and insecurity," Dr Shafiqur maintained.

"You (the residents of Mirpur) people live in Dhaka but are still facing scarcity of safe pure drinking water.

Kazipara, Sheorapara, Kafrul, Pallabi and other places in the area (Mirpur) go under knee-deep water following a minimal rain," he lamented.

"People (Mirpur dwellers) can't move freely during rainy season. Drainage system in Mirpur area has not been improved yet. Canals are being grabbed. Do you deserve to suffer for these problems?," he said.

Mentioning the existing problems like traffic gridlock and encroachment on the city footpaths, he assured the voters, saying, "If you (voters) give us the responsibility, we will bring back the city to the right management."

He promised to expand metro rail link in Dhaka city and freeing footpaths from illegal occupation.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com