Communist Party of Bangladesh’s mayor candidate for the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls Sajedul Haq Rubel today said he would ensure a decrease in unemployment if elected.

Unveiling his manifesto, Rubel said he would create employment opportunities targeting the 45 percent unemployed youths in north Dhaka.

He was addressing reporters in the Mukti Bhaban (CPB office) in the capital where he unveiled his 22-point election manifesto.

He stressed on the establishment of a strong “urban governance” to increase coordination among 56 departments under eight ministries to develop the city.

The candidate said he would take measures to eliminate traffic jam, air pollution, sound pollution, and lack of security.

He also promised new roads and bicycle lanes.

Rubel also brought back to the discussion of compelling CNG auto-rickshaws and taxis to charge people according to the metre system.

Addressing the city’s rising pollution, he blamed the slow place of numerous construction works and also said he would impose high taxes on polluters who violate the rules. He said paper bags would replace polythene in markets, while he would make the city greener.

Rubel also said they would take up different joint projects to protect the rivers around Dhaka.

Anti-mosquitoe drives will be redesigned and they would go on round the year.

Saying that about 40 lakh people in Dhaka have low income and are slum dwellers or homeless, he promised to ensure their rights. “The corporation will stand against eviction of slums without ensuring rehabilitation,” he added.

About 72 percent people in Dhaka rent homes, so the DNCC would also work to make sure that rents aren’t raised more than once a year.  

Female hostels for working women, labourers and modern daycare centres will be created in all the wards, he pleged among other things.