Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

DHAKA, March 3, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today put emphasis on building a clean and green city and protecting city dwellers from mosquito infestation.

"The Prime Minister emphasised three issues- a clean Dhaka, a green Dhaka and protecting city dwellers from mosquito infestation," DSCC administrator Md Abdus Salam told reporters after a meeting with the premier at his secretariat office here.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator Md. Safiqul Islam Khan and Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) administrator Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarkar were present in the meeting.

About the meeting, Abdus Salam said revenue collection over the past few months has not met expectations and is lower compared to previous years, leading to a financial crisis.

"We informed the Prime Minister about the matter," he said.

"We have sought a block allocation from him to run the city corporation. We also requested him to instruct the Local Government Ministry to extend cooperation in our various projects and activities," he said.

Salam said that indiscriminate work orders issued by the previous administration could lead to the collapse of the city corporation if implemented without review. 

"If we proceed based on all the work orders they have given, the city corporation will collapse. That cannot be done in any way," he said.

The DSCC administrator said with the monsoon approaching and the potential rise in dengue cases, mosquito control must be ensured at any cost. 

He also stressed that Dhaka must be cleaned, noting that the city had turned into a "factory of waste" and must be transformed.

Salam said after assuming responsibility, the administrators of Dhaka South, Dhaka North and Gazipur have been working together to quickly establish an improved waste management system. 

Initiatives including canal excavation and cleanliness drives have already begun to combat mosquito breeding, he said.

"I have launched a one-month crash programme in Dhaka South to improve cleanliness," he said.

Talking to journalists, Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Md. Safiqul Islam Khan also highlighted the corporation's financial distress.

"The corporation is now in a fragile condition. There is no fund, yet tenders and work orders worth Tk 1,470 crore have been issued. The election was held on 12 February. The former administrator did his last day at office on February 10 and signed 34 files involving payments. 

In reality, there is no money. There is only Tk 25 crore. From the revenue branch, I have learned that DNCC's monthly salary expenditure is Tk 13 crore. Only Tk 12 crore will remain. You can analyze how we will carry out development activities," he said.

The administrator said the prime minister assured them of support. "We are not disappointed. We will move forward and provide the necessary public services. We will prepare ourselves to serve public welfare and fulfill our commitment," he added.