Photo: BSS

DHAKA, June 6, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) today launched a new citizens' platform titled "Dokkhin-er Janala" aimed at fostering evidence-based solutions to urban challenges through engagement among citizens, experts, researchers and policymakers.

The platform was formally inaugurated at a city hotel in the capital. 

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the programme as the chief guest, while DSCC Administrator and Freedom Fighter Md. Abdus Salam presided over the function.

Speaking as chief guest, the minister described the initiative as a timely step towards participatory urban management. 

He said the recommendations emerging from such platforms must be translated into action to make Dhaka more livable and modern, assuring government support in this regard.

He stressed that sustainable urban development is not possible without citizen participation, noting that the platform would help integrate public perspectives into policy formulation and decision-making processes.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said Dhaka South remains the centre of the country's history, economy and culture, but continues to face major challenges including traffic congestion, waterlogging, air pollution, drainage problems and public health risks.

He said "Dokkhin-er Janala" would function as a structured platform where citizens, experts and policymakers jointly identify urban problems, analyse them and propose data-driven solutions.

He added that DSCC plans to organise sector-based seminars, town hall meetings, digital engagement tools and citizen committees to develop a long-term urban development roadmap.

"Our objective is not only discussion, but meaningful transformation," he said, adding that citizens must share responsibility for improving the city under the slogan: "I change, Dhaka will change."

Following the inauguration, a seminar titled "Citizen Ideas and Way Forward" was held in two sessions. The first focused on waterlogging in Dhaka South, while the second addressed urban health and mosquito-borne disease control, including dengue prevention and environmental management.

Experts, academics and researchers from relevant institutions participated in the discussions, stressing coordinated long-term planning and stronger citizen engagement to ensure sustainable urban solutions.

Speakers expressed hope that "Dokkhin-er Janala" would emerge as a model platform for participatory urban governance and contribute to making Dhaka South a more livable, modern and humane city.