Candidates want more power for mayor

Several mayor aspirants of Dhaka North City Corporation yesterday agreed that not every problem of the city dwellers could be solved since the mayor post lacks the adequate authority.

They made the observation at the programme "Face the people" jointly organised by Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) and Nagorik Adhikar Sangrakkhan Forum at a convention centre in Gulshan.

Fourteen out of the 16 mayor candidates of the DNCC were there and they were given a 21-point demand on behalf of voters.

The organisers gave each candidate five minutes to speak and they faced one question each from an audience afterwards.

After going through the demands, BNP-blessed runner Tabith Awal said most of the issues mentioned were beyond the authority of the mayor. He said he would be with the people on issues that the mayor's office cannot solve. 

"Our citizens have forgotten about their rights.

They are scared to ask for what is their right. I want to remind them of their rights,” said Tabith.

"It is not possible to do anything for the people until we rid the city corporation of corruption."

Tabith said he is keen on releasing the income and expenditures of the corporation to the public every year if he is voted to office.

When asked about stopping crime, he said, “I will try to root out criminal activities through crime mapping if I am voted to office.”

Ruling Awami League-backed mayor aspirant Annisul Huq said he wants to turn the city Green. Ensure a healthy atmosphere and safety for people.

He said 80 percent of the problems of the city was known to all. Annisul had engaged 220 volunteers who talked to 74,486 people to collect information about their problems.

He said many candidates were talking about development and were making promises but the question was who would do the job. “Who has the small amount of experience? Who has the reputation of being honest? Whose hair has gone grey a little? Whom do the people think would do a good job?” he said.

He urged everyone to vote for him so that he could serve the city.

Terming him a successful businessman, voter Kaniz Fatema asked Annisul how he would get the returns on the investment he is making to run for office since businessmen invest to gain profit. 

Annisul said everyone spends money in the polls and that he was capable of spending the money for the election.

Earlier, when Annisul entered the hall, mayor aspirant backed by CPB-BSD Abdullha Al Kafi stood up and criticised Annisul loudly for being late.

Most of the candidates reached the venue around 9:00am but Annisul went there two hours later, alleged Kafi.

During his speech, Annisul apologised for being late, and said he could not be on time as he had prior commitments.

Mahi B Chowdhury, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh-backed candidate, said if he was voted to office he would publish annual reports on the DNCC's work.

He too vowed to rid the city corporation of corruption.