No black money, muscle in Dhaka

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Over a dozen mayoral aspirants out of the total 20 in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) yesterday joined their hands together and vowed to prevent the use of black money and muscle power in the April 28 city elections.

They also pledged to combat corruption, ensure transparency and accountability of the city corporation activities.

At the same programme, over a hundred voters took an oath to cast ballots for honest and eligible candidates.

The interactive meeting was jointly organised by Shushashoner Jannoy Nagorik (SHUJAN) and Nagorik Odhikar Sangrokkhan Forum at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital.

Addressing the voters, Awami League-backed contender Sayeed Khokon said, "Everybody must take initiatives for the city's development. If elected, I will coordinate these initiatives for making the city liveable."

Replying to a voter, he said he would rehabilitate the city hawkers.

Bazlur Rashid Firoz, backed by the Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD), said a "metropolitan government" would be formed to bring all government agencies working for the city under an umbrella to ensure better public services.

Golam Mawla Rony, also an ex-AL lawmaker, said he would ensure chemical-free food, while Baharane Sultan Bahar pledged to reign in the spiralling house rents.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal-backed candidate Shahidul Islam said he would reduce taxes.