Educated, affluent people live in Bashundhara, says Mirza Fakhrul

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said that some of the country's most educated and affluent citizens live in Dhaka's upscale and newly developed residential areas, such as Bashundhara Residential Area, adding that greater public awareness and coordinated efforts could help transform the capital into a cleaner city.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Urban Waste Management: A Shared Responsibility," organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) at Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan, he said, "In the newly developed residential areas such as Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara, and Bashundhara, the residents are predominantly educated and affluent people. Greater awareness and coordinated efforts by these citizens alone can help transform Dhaka into a beautiful and clean city."

The seminar was chaired by DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan.

Mirza Fakhrul said residents of the city's affluent neighbourhoods are generally more aware and financially capable, making it easier for them to maintain cleanliness and keep their surroundings tidy.

"If we all work together to raise awareness among people and build a social movement around cleanliness, the distinguished residents of these areas can lead that movement," he added. 

He also stressed the importance of instilling cleanliness habits in children from an early age.

"We need to teach children in primary schools and kindergartens that they have a responsibility to keep their surroundings, schools and city clean. If we can instil this awareness in children, we can take the city much further," he said.

Referring to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in enforcing traffic laws, the minister said technology has encouraged greater compliance with road regulations.

"More recently, since cameras and technology have been introduced at traffic signals, people have started obeying the law because they know AI can detect violations and fines are issued automatically," he said.

He said such use of technology not only enforces the law but also helps develop greater civic awareness and responsibility among citizens.

Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam said, “Transforming the city corporations into self-reliant and fully functional institutions has become the need of the hour to overcome the long-standing institutional and coordination challenges in urban governance. This would make it possible to bring RAJUK, WASA, the power utilities, the traffic police, and all other agencies involved in urban development under a single, integrated legal framework.” 

He further said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has the political will to pursue this initiative and is working with all relevant stakeholders to implement a far-sighted plan.