New position in BNP to boost support for footpath recovery

Newly appointed convener of Dhaka Metropolitan North Unit BNP, Safiqul Islam Khan Milton, has said that his new position in the party would invigorate party men for the ongoing footpath recovery drive.

During an interview with the Daily Sun (DS) at Gulshan Nagar Bhaban on Monday, Shafiqul Islam Khan, who is the administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), said, “When I started the drive to clear footpaths of illegal occupiers as Administrator of DNCC, I had no position in Dhaka North BNP, but I got support from local BNP and its offshoots. My well-wishers have supported me. Now, I hope everyone in my organisation will help me in a coordinated way. It will be easier for me to do the work.”

Seeking support for the drive, he said that he had a mission to free footpaths for pedestrians and roads for vehicles, and this would gradually be achieved in Uttara and elsewhere in DNCC. 

He said, “The opposition and others accuse us that BNP men control footpaths. It is a wrong message. We have to establish that we are not favouring anyone to grab footpaths. We are by the people. It is my moral duty to free footpaths from illegal grabbing.”

On Sunday, the BNP announced the names of the new convener and member secretary of Dhaka North through a press release. According to the release, Safiqul Islam Khan was made convener, while SM Jahangir Alam was made member secretary.

Safiqul Islam earlier served as joint general secretary of central Jubo Dal and general secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan North Unit Jubo Dal.

Describing his plan for Dhaka North BNP, he said, “The party adopts different strategies at different times. The high command sets the strategies. I will try to carry out my due responsibility with transparency and honesty. I will try to enhance the organisational strength in Dhaka North and advance the party with socially established, undisputed, skilled and proven politicians.”

He also said, “I have been doing politics for the party for 42 long years. The prime minister and chairman of the BNP has approved a committee and given me the responsibility of Dhaka North. Formation of a new committee is a continuous process. I will not hold the post lifelong. A new face will come in the new committee.”

He added, “I have come this far despite many odds. I held many party posts in the past. I was in Jubo Dal earlier. Members of all BNP units and affiliated organisations, including Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal, as well as BNP supporters know me. I don’t think I have to face big challenges in my new journey.”

He said that they would form a full-fledged committee to revitalise and reorganise the unit.

He said, “We have been asked to make a full-fledged committee within two weeks. We will do it within two weeks as mentioned in the press note. It may take some time if there is special demand from the party; it may take one or two more days for discussion. We will follow the party's instructions.”

He said that the roles of administrator and BNP unit convener were equally important to him and that he would carry out both roles simultaneously.

When asked about the mayoral election, he said, “Regarding mayoral nomination, I am not thinking anything in advance. Now I have to be busy with my role as administrator and convener of Dhaka North Unit BNP.”