Keep development of Sylhet city above politics: Saifur

Development programmes should be kept above politics he said and assured of taking all necessary measures to meet the city dwellers' needs.

The finance minister said, though election of local bodies like city corporations should not be held on party basis, a culture has grown to deal things politically.

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"We should come out of these. It is unfortunate that we do things on party basis. There was some wrong propaganda on the eve of city corporation polls here. Now it is clear that we all should work together and remain above politics for the cause of development".

Saifur was addressing as chief guest a reception accorded to him by the SCC on Thursday.

Held on the corporation premises, the function was chaired by Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran while State Minister for Local Government Ziaul Haque Zia spoke as special guest.

The function was also addressed by, among others, Moulana Farid Uddin Chowdhury MP, Dilder Hossain Selim MP, IIyas Ali MP and Ward Commissioner Ariful Haque Chowdhury.

Saifur said Tk 200 crore has been earmarked for development of rail link in Sylhet region in the upcoming national budget. The country's first hanging bridge will be constructed on Surma river. Its foundation will be laid soon. Both banks of the river in the city will protected and beautified with parks, he said.

The finance minister also requested the LGRD ministry to conduct a feasibility study on establishment of surface water plant in Sylhet to meet drinking water crisis.

Besides, effective measures will taken for overall development of the city through ensuring waste management, resolving water logging problem and others problems, Saifur said.

"I will do everything necessary for the city's development as it is my constituency. I am committed to do so".

Mayor Badar Uddin Kamran in his speech said, "Though I am a party man, I want to build the corporation as a neutral institution. The corporation office will not be used politically. We will work keeping ourselves above politics".