Tabith unveils 83-point manifesto for North Dhaka

Sorting Dhaka city's problems into 12 categories, BNP-backed mayor candidate in the north Tabith Awal unveiled an 83-point manifesto yesterday with promises to ensure safe food, healthcare for the poor, environmental protection, and public safety.

Freeing the city from crippling traffic jams and improving transport facilities also dominate his charter of pledges.

"Though regrettable, it's a fact that Dhaka city which has a wonderful history and tradition is now being identified as an unliveable city in international surveys.

In this context, I want to make Dhaka north a modern, liveable and ideal city with the help of the elderly and experienced people and the spirit of the youth," the 36-year-old told a press conference at his Tejgaon election office.

Tabith said all parks would get health check-up booths, and low-income people, expectant mothers and children would receive free treatment at the city corporation-run community hospitals.

The manifesto also includes stopping the sale of contaminated foods, setting up night and farmers' markets at major intersections and food courts at public places, ensuring safe water and smooth supply of gas, power and water, and building affordable houses for low-income people.

Tabith, the eldest son of Khaleda Zia's adviser and businessman Abdul Awal Mintoo, said the roads would undergo renovation and necessary development works on an emergency basis, and there would be adequate, clean footpaths and a Mumbai-like "skywalk" for pedestrians.

For betterment of education, he would introduce modern school bus services for safe transportation of children, build a public university at Uttara, and set up scholarships for outstanding achievers in primary, junior and secondary school certificate exams.

Tabith promised to take every possible step to make the city clean, green and environment-friendly and introduction of a modern waste management system would be one of the measures.

Replying to a question, he said that although he was contesting with the blessing of a particular party, but once elected, "I will be people's mayor, not the mayor of any political party."

The other focus areas are facilitating social development, improving amusement facilities, providing digital services, and making the city corporation free from corruption upholding the spirits of the Liberation War, Bangladeshi nationalism, and communal harmony.

 BNP leaders Moudud Ahmed and Selima Rahman, pro-BNP civil society platform Adarsha Dhaka Andolan's convener Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, member secretary Shawkat Mahmud, and members -- journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Dhaka University Prof Mahbub Ullah, and journalist Abdul Hye Sikder -- were also present.

On Wednesday night, the platform unveiled a common manifesto for its two mayor candidates -- Tabith and Mirza Abbas (Dhaka south) -- promising to build a liveable, safe and clean city.