Nasir outlines plans for green, digital mega Ctg

Underscoring Chittagong's potentials and its rich natural resources, Awami League-backed mayor candidate AJM Nasir yesterday presented his 36-point manifesto outlining the plans to build it into a green, digital megacity.

He said the dream could be realised through planned and sustainable development interventions and the proper use and management of the city's natural resources.

Though a city corporation is a non-political organisation, Nasir claimed that since his party was in power now, it would be easy for him, if elected, to develop the city.

The manifesto was unveiled at the Institute of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), Chittagong, and it sorts out 12 main problems with waterlogging topping the list.

Nasir said he would chalk out short-, middle-, and long- term programmes based on experts' recommendations to get the city rid of waterlogging.

His six-point plan includes restoration of the canals and drains through dredging and widening, removing wastes from the canals, digging new canals, blocking tidal flows from entering the city by building sluice gates in the Karnaphuli river, dredging the river, and implementing the drainage master plan of 1995 after its up-gradation.

Nasir also pledged to set right the messy waste management by building underground sewage tanks and a central network of sewerage pipelines to prevent human waste from flowing into the canals and to produce biogas from the waste.

Multi-story car parks and a modern public transport system will address the problem of traffic jams, while e-governance at the city corporation, smart cards for payment of taxes and electricity bills, and wifi zones will help its digitisation.

He also promised re-introduction of separate bus services for women and kids and cuts in bus fares for students.

Meanwhile, prime minister's information adviser Ikbal Sobhan Chowdhury yesterday urged the people of Chittagong to vote for the candidates of the pro-Liberation forces in the April 28 city election.

He made the call at a views exchange meeting with professionals, organised by Peshajibi Samannay Parishad, Chittagong, at Theatre Institute Chittagong.