Electric bus service to address air pollution in Atiqul’s manifesto

Promising a modern, healthy and more accessible Dhaka, Atiqul Islam, the Awami League-backed mayor aspirant for Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election, today declared his 38-point manifesto.

One of the standout pledges made by him was to start running an electric bus service to check air pollution, which has become a growing concern among citizens.

He also pledged implementation of an Integrated Vector Management (IVM) system to effectively deal with mosquitoes round the year incorporating WASA, health ministry, DSCC and other city corporations.

The manifesto was unveiled at a press conference at the Lakeshore Hotel in the city.

The mayoral candidate unveiled his points, which were categorised under three sections: Modern Dhaka, Healthy Dhaka and More Accessible Dhaka.

In his manifesto, Atiqul also prioritised recovery of lakes and canals, mitigation of waterlogging and expansion of public space.

He said air pollution would be reduced through mist blowers and other sophisticated technologies at different places in north Dhaka.

Waste will be disposed by setting up a Resources Recovery Facility (RRF) in Aminbazar and the collected waste will be turned into energy, the mayor aspirant added.

Besides, multiple-storey and underground parking complexes will be built in busy areas of the city, said Atiqul.

He also said he would ensure civic facilities for slum dwellers.

Giving priority to the healthcare facilities for women of extended areas of the DNCC, the mayor aspirant said he would construct women-friendly comprehensive reproductive healthcare centres and primary healthcare centres.

He also promised to construct sufficient modern public toilets for everyone and keep breast-feeding corners at every establishment of the DNCC.

Atiqul also pledged to recover waterbodies from encroachers and return those to public.

Giving attention to students, he pledged to arrange transport facilities for schools, colleges and universities.

He also said he would ensure access-friendly structures and mass-transport for those with disabilities.

For smooth pedestrian movement, Atiqul said he would create area-based pedestrian-friendly and accessible footpath networks, thus keeping the pavement free.

Atiqul also pledged to ensure e-ticketing services, App based timing, controlled and women-friendly mass transport system for the city.

Giving attention to reduce traffic congestion Atiqul promised to complete the plan of late mayor Annisul Huq’s Bus Route Rationalisation system, with the help of high-ups at the government.

“We will also implement coordinated plans incorporating DMP, DTCA, BRTA and DSCC to solve traffic congestion,” the mayor said.

He also pledged to construct smart bus stoppages and bus-truck terminals.

Atiqul said he wanted to make north Dhaka a “smart” city and part of it would be to start making a few areas “smart” neighbourhoods.