Jhigatola-Hajaribagh residents worried over free, fair franchise

Little of the major problems plaguing Jhigatola-Hajaribagh in the capital came up during campaigns for Dhaka South City Corporation poll's mayor candidate Mirza Abbas yesterday with many residents saying their primary hope was to cast votes in a free, fair manner.

"We are not thinking about the issues of local problems but are tensed whether we will be able to cast our votes for which we did not place any demand," a tea stall owner on Hajaribagh Road told The Daily Star right after the campaigners passed him.

The BNP-backed candidate's wife Afroza Abbas started campaigning from Jhigatola Bus Stand from 9:30am, going round different areas distributing leaflets and seeking votes.

Giving a speech at Jhigatola Natun Rasta, she demanded army deployment seven days ahead of polling day to ensure a free, fair election.

However, numerous residents did say that they expected the mayor and councillors to bring an end to the mosquito menace and waterlogging and ensure adequate playgrounds.

"We are in a serious problem of overflowing sewage on Moneshwar Road and Ganaktuli Road in Hajaribagh and we want a permanent solution," said one local, Shahida, adding that the problem persisted even during the dry season due to poor drainage.

The unwanted situation arose four times in the last three months, each time taking three to four days to recede, said Ahmed Hossain, who lives on Bashtola Road.

In some roads, the problem is not overflowing sewage but simply waterlogging after rains.

"Due to poor drainage problem from Jhigatola to Gabtola Mosque, in Jhigatola Natun Rasta, and from Dhanmondi 15 to Rayerbazar AC Club, residents have to wade through ankle-to-knee-deep water even after light showers," said another local, Moshiur Rahman.

One resident, Mahfuzur Rahman, said they were badly in need of a playground in Jhigatola, for children, youths and even elderly people did not have any place to play or exercise.

The environment at two fields, one near Beribadh and another near Hajaribagh Police Station, is not up to the mark, said locals.

"Due to the absence of proper drainage, we are plagued with mosquito bites during the dry season as the city corporation, the authority to control the mosquito menace, remains idle," said Jhigatola Natun Rasta resident Anowar Hossain.