Mayoral candidate in Dhaka North City Corporation elections Annisul Huq hopes the prime minister will cooperate him in performing his duties if he is elected.
“Hopefully my name will be written in the history of Dhaka for my good deeds,” he said in an interview.
Annisul Huq who secured the ruling Awami League’s blessings in the polls, opened up to Prothom Alo about his decision to run for the mayor post, answered several questions about his candidature and revealed his plans on reforming the city should he be elected the mayor.
The businessman is also confident of managing enough time for mayoral duties. “I have plenty of time to give to the city corporation. As a member of a group of industries, I don’t have to give too much time to the business,” said the former president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
He received criticism over the financial statement he submitted to the election commission where he claimed not owning any personal car or house in the capital.
To this end, Annisul said, “As the CEO, I was allotted a car from my company. I didn’t need to buy another with my own money.”
He admitted owning a house in Dhaka, but said the house is registered in the name of his children. “I handed it over to my children since man is mortal.”
About the party backing for him despite his being a non-political figure, he said: “The prime minister thought someone outside the conventional politics, but a pro-liberation war figure, should run for mayor.
My goodwill, honesty and background of being involved in various activities beyond my professional work and the fact that I am a freedom fighter has probably caught the attention of the prime minister,” Annisul said.
“At first, I’m a candidate backed by the biggest political party of the country, then I’m a representative of the businessmen,” said Annisul who believes his business background should be counted as a ‘plus point’.
“Businessmen contribute the most to the development of the country. One of them being a mayoral candidate should be appreciated,” he said.
Asked whether two mayors in Dhaka city can lead to confusion and conflict, he said, “Manila has 17 mayors, France has 12. All we need is a good coordination.”
Asked about his priorities, he said, “My main priority will be keeping the city clean, addressing the mosquito menace and providing electricity to the city dwellers.”
He also pledged to turn Dhaka into a “green city” within six months of his tenure.
Seeking the help of the city dwellers, the mayor aspirant said, “If one among five voters plant a tree, Dhaka will have 5 lakh trees. If we can ensure that much, we will see a new Dhaka within three years.”
He also said that within two years the whole city will be under CCTV coverage which will be instrumental in decreasing crime.
Annisul plans to turn Nagar Bhaban (building of the city) into Nagarik Bhaban (building of the citizens) as well. “We already have a call centre, which will be expanded. People will be able to convey their opinion regarding who should do what,” he said.
He hopes to have an advising committee and establish an “exemplary culture” for the future mayors to follow.
Annisul believes his age and experience sets him apart from the other aspirant mayors. “I took this decision after much consideration. I am an amicable person, and I plan to work for five years with honesty and integrity.
My 30-year reputation is on the line, after all,” he said.
Source: Prothom Alo
