Mir Shahe Alam visits opposition leader's constituency on PM's directive

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam on Wednesday visited Dhaka-15, the parliamentary constituency of Leader of the Opposition Dr Shafiqur Rahman, following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directive to identify and address long-standing civic problems in the area.

The day-long programme began with a meeting with residents of Lane No. 3 in West Shewrapara. The event was attended by Dr Shafikur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton.

The state minister later visited different locations, including Anandabazar Canal, a lane adjacent to Baitur Rahim Jame Mosque in East Monipur, Baishteki Sarkar Bari intersection, and the premises of Ibrahimpur Government Primary School. At each location, he exchanged views with local residents and inspected civic problems firsthand.

Residents highlighted a range of ward-level issues, including shortages of water and gas, poor drainage, waterlogging and damaged roads. They also raised concerns over illegal occupation of markets, traffic management, drug abuse, juvenile gangs and school fees.

Speaking during the visit, Mir Shahe Alam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as the leader of the entire country, attached equal importance to solving problems in every constituency.

He said the prime minister had responded positively to the opposition leader's request and directed that the opposition leader's constituency should not be deprived of development.

"As team leader, I have come here today to assess the situation and coordinate efforts to resolve these problems," he said.

The state minister said it is the first time in the country's history that the ruling party and the opposition have come together to work jointly to address local problems.

In his speech, Dr Shafikur said the prime minister had listened to his concerns in parliament and taken action accordingly.

"We, the ruling party and the opposition, will work together on development projects in the constituency and, with the support of the people, solve these long-standing problems to build a better Dhaka," he said.

He thanked the prime minister, saying the head of government represented all 300 parliamentary constituencies rather than any single seat.

Officials from DNCC, Dhaka WASA, the Local Government Engineering Department, the Bangladesh Power Development Board, Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution PLC, the Power Division, Dhaka Metropolitan Police and other government agencies were present during the visit.