Nasir unveils manifesto today

Building Chittagong into a green megacity will be the focal point of Awami League-backed mayor candidate AZM Nasir Uddin's electoral promises he is set to unveil today.
The manifesto sorts out 12 problems, with waterlogging topping the list, said sources. 
Other priority areas include landslides in hills, water pollution, drinking water crisis, encroachment on the Karnaphuli River, waste management, transport system, accommodation crisis, power shortage, crimes, drug addiction, public toilets, and business environment. 
A leader of a pro-Awami League professionals' platform, who was involved with drafting the manifesto, said there would be a set of solutions to the problems, like short-, medium-, and long-term plans to end waterlogging, protecting the hills by retaining walls and plantation, searching new sources of water, saving the fish spawning ground Halda River, regular and capital dredging of the Karnaphuli, setting up underground sewerage tanks and central sewerage pipelines, connecting the recently built Outer Ring Road with Karnaphuli 3rd Bridge and Shah Amanat International Airport, and setting up multi-storey car parks.
The goal of building a megacity will be achieved through development programmes like modernising the transport system, improving the commuter train service, metro rail projects, turning Shah Amanat into an international standard airport, widening roads, introducing separate bus services for women, and bringing the whole city under a single security system.
Moslem Uddin, leader of Nagorik Committee that supports Nasir, said the manifesto would clearly outline plans to make Chittagong beautiful and liveable with all modern amenities.