Action if waste collection fee exceeds Tk100: DSCC administrator

Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md Abdus Salam has warned that action will be taken against contractors if they charge more than the fixed Tk100 monthly fee for household waste collection.

"If anyone demands more than the fixed Tk100 for waste collection from households, inform the city corporation. If the complaint is substantiated, the contractor's agreement will be cancelled," he said while speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of a special cleanliness and mosquito control drive at Shahidnagar cremation ground area in Lalbagh yesterday (4 March).

Abdus Salam also announced that, in line with the prime minister's directive, the registration fee for burial at DSCC graveyards and cremation at its crematoriums has been reduced from Tk1,000 to Tk500.

Calling on BNP leaders, activists and the general public to cooperate with the city corporation, he said Dhaka represents Bangladesh. "People from around the world form an impression of the country by seeing the capital. Therefore, Dhaka must be kept clean and livable. The prime minister has spoken about the 'Clean Dhaka, Green Dhaka' programme."

Referring to Old Dhaka as the original part of the capital, he said the aim is to make it the most developed area within the south city. "Street lights must function properly, waste must be cleared regularly, and mosquito control must remain effective," he said.

Addressing party leaders and activists, the administrator said many people had suffered over the past 17 years, with some losing businesses, homes or becoming physically disabled. 

He added that while participants in the July Uprising  are receiving allowances, efforts will be made through discussions with the prime minister to provide structured assistance to affected families.

Among those present were Dhaka South Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman, Chief Health Officer Jahane Ferdous, other departmental heads and local leaders.