Dhaka: Pro-Bangladesh Nationalist Party mayoral candidate of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) polls Tabith Awal in his election manifesto on Thursday made a 12-point pledge, including ensuring safe and quality food and public security, and making the city free from traffic jam, and environment, air and sound pollution.

Tabith, the eldest son of BNP leader and businessman Abdul Awal Mintoo, unveiled his election manifesto at a press conference at his Tejgaon link road election office.

‘Though regrettable, it is fact that Dhaka city which has a wonderful history and tradition is now being identified as an unlivable city in various international surveys. Under this context, I would like to make Dhaka north a modern, livable and ideal city using the experiences of elderly people and spirit of the youth,’ he said.

Tabith focused on 12 issues, including food, accommodation, healthcare, education, traffic jam and transport facilities, city environment management and sustainable and social development, amusement facilities, digital services and public safety, to build an ideal Dhaka free from corruption holding the spirit of Bangladesh nationalism, democracy and communal harmony.

Tabith read out the four-page election manifesto at the press conference.  

BNP standing committee member Moudud Ahmed, vice chairman Selima Rahman, Adarsha Dhaka Andolan, an electoral platform of pro-BNP professionals, convener Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, member secretary Shawkat Mahmud, its members journalist Mahfuz Ullah, Dhaka University professor Mahbub Ullah, and journalist Abdul Hye Sikder were, among others, present.  

Asked as to how he will implement his manifesto as a mayor has no jurisdiction to carry many activities he mentioned to do so, the DNCC mayoral candidate said, ‘I’ll implement my plans in consolation with the central government.’

Prof Emajuddin said Tabith’s plans to resolve the city’s problems are unique and wonderful, and urged the voters to elect Tabith to make the DNCC a wonderful and ideal city.

Earlier on Wednesday night, Adarsha Dhaka Andolon, unveiled a common manifesto for its two mayoral candidates in the elections to Dhaka north and south city corporations, promising to make the two cities livable, safe and clean for all.

‘We’ve mentioned 17 issues in our manifesto on which our candidates will focus and deal with if they are elected. This is the manifesto of Adarsha Dhaka Andolon in favour of the two BNP-backed mayoral candidates Mirza Abbas Tabith Awal,’ Shawkat Mahmud said while announcing the manifesto at a press conference at National Press Club, Dhaka.

The BNP-backed two mayoral candidates in the two Dhaka cities are contesting the elections under the platform floated recently.