Citizens expect a lot from DSCC Mayor Taposh



Shahjahan Molla, Senior Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: collected

Photo: collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has been shining a light on the minds of the people of the city with the tough decisions one after another since he took over as the mayor. On the other hand, corrupt officials are in panic. All those rogue officers are passing sleepless nights thinking about when to be fired.

During election campaign, Taposh termed the corrupt people as termites and said that he would drive out the termites from the Nagar Bhavan. Former Member of Parliament and Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation(DSCC) Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh is walking in that path. Mayor Taposh took office on last May 16, the day after he attended office on May 17. On the same day, two top officials were fired for corruption. Another officer was sacked on May 20 on the same charge.

In such action one after another, some corrupt officials of the Nagar Bhavan have become panicked. In particular, there is a kind of panic among the Project Directors (PDs) and departmental heads of the DSCC. The former mayor's trusted officers are more panicked.

This information has been confirmed by talking to some officials of Dhaka South City Corporation. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he had been in office all the time with fear. I am wondering who loses the job. I myself was not in any lucrative business though. I used to send the report to the parliamentary committee just by following the order. Even then, it is a matter of concern as to who loses the job later in case of any anger.

Another official said those who were close to the former Mayor were more afraid. They then abused power. That is why there is more fear in them. The new Mayor has given a strong message about his responsibilities.

In a meeting with officials at Nagar Bhaban on June 1, Mayor Taposh again issued a stern warning. "I am the Mayor for 24 hours," he said. Any time I can go to inspect any activity, if no one is found on the spot at that time, he will have to assume that he is no longer working in DSCC whoever he may be.

Then, at the first meeting of the corporation's second council on June 2, Mayor Tapas said, there is corruption in every nook and corner of the corporation. I will not condone this corruption and I will not keep the slightest trace of corruption in this organization.

DSCC officials have speculated that Mayor Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh's remarks were not just a matter of decision-making. So a kind of fear is working inside everyone.

Barta24.com's news item titled 'Corruption in every nook and corner of the corporation, I will not indulge in corruption' was made with yesterday’s (Tuesday) statement. Some commented on the news, some said ‘right decision of the time, some said, go ahead’.

One of the commentators Hussain Mohammad Khokon, wrote, go ahead, Mayor sir, we, the people of Dhaka, are with you, Inshallah.

One Mukta Shafiq wrote ‘right decision of the time’. You go ahead.

Regarding the action of Mayor Tapash, Farabi bin Zahir, a resident of old Dhaka, told Barta24.com that the strong action taken by the Mayor against corruption within the city corporation deserves praise. However, it should be kept in mind that the corruption of the city corporation is carried out through a syndicate and influential political personalities of the government party are also involved in that syndicate. Therefore, in order for the Mayor to take strict action against corruption, he has to identify the syndicate and take strict action against every member of the syndicate; otherwise the benefits of his action will not reach the people.

After taking charge, Mayor Tapas is going to office regularly. Even goes on a surprise visit and see the activities of mosquito repellent. Going to the field again and seeing the real picture of water logging. He has been giving decisions wherever he is going. 

Three doctors are absent for a long time causing sufferings to the patients



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Barta24.com

Pic: Barta24.com

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

The government has taken various initiatives to ensure the presence of doctors and officials in government hospitals. However, a different picture is seen in Barishal's 50- bed Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex. Three doctors of the hospital have been absent for a long time. As a result, patients have to suffer due to lack of proper healthcare.

Allegedly, medical services at the hospital have come to a standstill due to lack of strict supervision. Therefore, many patients are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

According to hospital sources, Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique joined Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex as Medical Officer on July 1, 2011. He has been absent since January 4, 2012 after staying at the hospital for just five months. Similarly, Dr. Soma Halder joined the health complex on October 8, 2014. She has also been absent since November 5, 2015, after serving for one year.

Sources also said that Dr. Shahana Rahman joined the hospital on November 25, 2023. She has not been coming to the hospital for the past 8 months.

Although the three mentioned doctors are absent for a long time, no appointments are being made in their place. As a result, patient services are constantly disrupted. Besides, the hospital authorities are also in trouble.

A responsible source of the hospital, on condition of anonymity, said that this alarming situation has arisen due to the non-punishment of those who are negligent in fulfilling their duties. Also there is a lack of strong supervision.

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Bakhtiar Al Mamun said that Dr. Abu Bakr Siddiq and Dr. Soma Halder have been given letters to join the workplace several times. But they are still not back to work. A departmental case is ongoing against them. In addition, Dr. Shahana Rahman has been given several letters to join the work. The Civil Surgeon's office has also been informed about the matter.

He also said that the information of doctors is sent to higher authorities and ministries every month. As such, the ministry is aware of the matter. According to the latest information, one doctor may be out of a job. Of the remaining two, one is abroad, the other I don't know where. Regarding the appointment of doctors, he said, appointment is not possible until the posts are vacant. As a result, it will take time to find a new doctor.

;

Three coordinators in DB for interrogation



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken three people, including Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumdar.

A DB source confirmed this information on Friday (July 26) night.

DB said three coordinators have been brought to the DB office for security and interrogation purposes.

All three of them are students of Dhaka University.

;

What the Home Minister said about lifting of the curfew



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, everyone has to wait a little with the curfew till public life becomes normal. We are looking at whether the curfew can be relaxed.

He said these things while talking to reporters about the ongoing situation on Friday (July 26) night.

The Home Minister said, we are seeing if the curfew can be relaxed. Police BGB, Army are working. We have to wait a little until public life becomes normal. People should be patient. He also said that a decision may be made subject to discussion on Saturday (July 27).

At that time, he mentioned that there were brutal killings in the name of the movement, and he said, who will take responsibility for this loss of the country? BNP said they are not involved in violence. So who did it? It is a question of the people.

Regarding the arrest of the quota activists, the Home Minister said that the quota agitator leaders themselves are suffering from insecurity. For their safety, law enforcement has been called. Further action will be taken after the inquiry.

Incidentally, the government clamped a curfew from 12 midnight on July 19 to keep the situation normal around the quota reform movement. The army was also deployed.

The curfew was later relaxed for a specified period but has not yet been lifted completely.

;

Government to provide treatment & income to all injured: Prime Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government will provide treatment and income to all those injured in the recent violence, regardless of party affiliation.

She said this while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday (July 26). Meanwhile, she inquired about the physical condition of the injured.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government will do whatever is necessary for the treatment of those injured in the violence. The government will take responsibility for the treatment of the injured, whichever party they belong to.

She also said, even after accepting all the demands on the quota, why is the movement not ending? Everyone at home and abroad should be vocal against the violence and brutality of BNP-Jamaat.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister visited several wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and inquired about the injured. She talked to doctors and nurses. She ordered to give all kinds of treatment to the injured.

Earlier in the morning, the head of government visited the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building damaged by vandals' attack and fire at Rampura in the capital.

;