A new social event center was inaugurated in Siddique Bazar area of Old Dhaka on Monday. At the inauguration ceremony, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam said that while inaugurating this community center, he is reminded of the late Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, who laid the foundation stone of this project.
He said that he had a close relationship with Sadeque Hossain Khoka during his long career in politics. He sees it as a special memorable moment as the work that was started at that time has been completed today.
He also said that Sadeque Hossain Khoka's worthy son Ishraque Hossain is by his side. The people of the area elected him by voting and the Prime Minister appointed him as a state minister. He also mentioned that the moment of inaugurating this community center will be a lifelong memory for him.
It was informed at the ceremony that the entire project land is about 20 kathas. Out of this, five kathas of land were donated by a local woman. At that time, there was also talk of setting up a health complex with Sadeque Hossain Khoka. Abdus Salam also said that efforts will be made to implement that initiative in the future.
He called on the locals and said that this community center has been built for the benefit of the citizens. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the locals to maintain it and use it well. At that time, he thanked everyone concerned, including local commissioner Mamun.
The administrator said that the community center is not for any specific party. It is for the entire community. This institution will work for the development of the community and the benefit of the citizens and everyone will be here regardless of party affiliation.
He also said, “Initiatives have been taken to set up gymnasiums in different parts of the city. There were many such gymnasiums in old Dhaka earlier, but they are gradually disappearing. Efforts will be made to restart them.”
Besides, various community centers used to have libraries, which are no longer there. He also said that initiatives will be taken to restart them, and a health care section should be set up here to provide healthcare to the citizens.
Speaking on urban cleanliness, he has said that it is not possible for the city corporation alone to keep the city clean. Citizens also have to fulfill their responsibilities. If polythene or garbage is thrown into the drain, the drain gets blocked and then it becomes difficult to keep the city clean.
He also said that those who have taken tenders for garbage collection cannot charge more than Tk 100. If they charge more than this, their license will be cancelled. He also urged the locals to be careful in this regard.
He said that no additional tax or extortion can be levied on citizens. No kind of extortion will be allowed. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister has given clear instructions in this regard.
In the last part of his speech, he said that many leaders and activists have gone through various hardships for a long time. Many were in a situation where they lost their businesses or jobs. Leaders should also take responsibility for their rehabilitation.
He said that if anyone went to Sadeque Hossain Khoka, he would not return empty-handed. His memory will carry the city of Dhaka. Especially the people of Old Dhaka have received his cooperation regardless of party affiliation.
He also said that Ishraque Hossain, the worthy son of Sadeq Hossain Khoka, is now in charge of the area. He will work to solve any problem in the area and he himself will be by his side.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
