‘Councillors’ must face punishment: DNCC Mayor

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said that the city corporation will not take responsibility for the wrongdoings of any councillor. If any councillor gets involved in wrongdoing, he must face punishment.

He made the remarks at an event marking Community Policing Day at the Government Titumir College premises on Saturday.

He said, “I don't take or pay any extortion money. The law enforcement will take action against anyone who traffics drugs, engages in extortion or land-grabbing. DNCC has no say in it. Each individual is accountable for his own actions.”

He further said, “Although the majority of people are pleased with the initiative, a small faction unhappy about it. Less than one percent of people are unhappy. They run businesses and commit extortion on the sidewalks. The saddest part is that they hand photos and banners of influential leaders to occupy the spaces.”

"Our stand is clear -- we won't tolerate illegal occupation of footpaths," said Atiqul.

The mayor also announced the DNCC's plans to put up complaint boxes to allow women voice their grievances.

“We will keep their names and addresses confidential. Police will later look into it and take appropriate measures after speaking to them,” he added.

Dhaka/Nur/AKA