Photo : Collected
Since the fall of the government on August 5, most of the councilors of the two city corporations of the capital have been absconding. As revealed in recent media news, because of this, people are being deprived of service from the ward councilor's office. It is known that the certificate given by the councilor office of the two cities and the service activities at the ward level are not being monitored. Realizing the reality, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has transferred the birth registration service from the ward councilor's office to the regional office.
According to those concerned, it is not possible to ensure city administration and services by removing mayors and keeping councilors. Because those who are in the position of councilors, they are winners through contested elections. These ward-level public representatives have extorted money from people of various classes and professions; Torture, torture, oppression and seized people's wealth in various ways. 95% of the current councilors of the two city corporations are Awami League leaders and activists. Many of them were also involved in killing people by standing against the student movement. Therefore, it is not possible to keep the city service activities running by keeping them.
It should be noted that on August 19, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives in a notification removed the mayors of 12 city corporations and appointed administrators. However, no decision has been taken regarding the councilors. However, the government now has the power to remove councilors if it wants. We feel that quick decisions need to be taken to ensure city services and solve the half-finished works going on in various wards. These works can be transferred to regional office if necessary to ensure public service. Since the Regional Office is staffed with skilled staff headed by an officer of the rank of Deputy Secretary, this would be the best approach in the interim.
Needless to say, several councilor offices in the city were set on fire during the agitation. It is also necessary to take steps to open these offices through quick reforms. Moreover, during this time the prevalence of dengue disease increased, the spraying of mosquito killers was supervised from the Councilor's office to prevent the spread of mosquitoes. As mosquito repellents have not been sprayed for several days, there is naturally a fear of an increase in dengue outbreaks. It is necessary to take quick action to kill mosquitoes. Councilors are supposed to provide services in 14 sectors including birth and death certificates, not just spraying mosquito repellants. There is no alternative to take necessary measures so that these services are not disrupted.
It is also true that city governance is done by public representatives. In that case, the government should return it to the people's representatives as soon as possible, even if the activities are conducted through the regional office. That is why elections are necessary. It is expected that the interim government will show maximum efforts to keep the civic services uninterrupted.
Messenger/Fameema
