The newly appointed administrator of Gazipur City Corporation, Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, has announced plans to launch a mobile app to address citizens’ problems and complaints swiftly.
He said residents will be able to report issues through the app, and authorities will ensure prompt action. To strengthen transparency, journalists will be briefed once a month on the progress of City Corporation projects, and accountability of officials and employees will be strictly enforced.
Shawkat Hossain Sarkar made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the Gazipur Nagar Bhaban auditorium on Wednesday morning, shortly after taking charge as administrator. On his first working day, he also announced a 180-day development plan for the city.
Traffic, Connectivity and Environment
To ease traffic congestion, the administrator said the foundation stone of a flyover at the Joydevpur rail crossing will be laid within six months. He also pledged to begin construction of two bridges in the Kashimpur area to improve road links with Savar and Ashulia in Dhaka. Alternative connecting roads to Dhaka will also be developed.
On environmental protection, he highlighted two priority actions. First, all 19 canals within the metropolis will be re-excavated on an urgent basis to reduce waterlogging and mosquito breeding. Second, steps will be taken to make Gazipur a green and clean city.
Following directives from the Prime Minister, he said illegal encroachments on footpaths will be removed, overhead dish and Wi-Fi cables organised, waste management improved and adequate street lighting ensured.
Law, Youth and Governance
The administrator announced strict action against terrorism, extortion and juvenile gangs to maintain social order. To keep youths away from drugs and crime, he proposed building playgrounds in all 57 wards and establishing a children’s park in the city. He also promised to promote healthy industrial growth and cultural activities.
Pledging to make the City Corporation corruption-free, Shawkat Hossain Sarkar said a zero-tolerance policy against corruption has been adopted. Citizen services will be simplified through coordination with officials and employees.
City Corporation Chief Executive Officer Md. Sohel Hasan, Secretary Amin Al Parvez, and senior officials from various departments were present at the event.
Background
Shawkat Hossain Sarkar was appointed administrator of Gazipur City Corporation on Monday through a notification signed by Mahbuba Airin of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. He previously served multiple terms as chairman of Kashimpur Union.
After Gazipur became a city corporation, its mayors included former BNP state minister Professor MA Mannan, followed by former Metropolitan Awami League general secretary Jahangir Alam and later his mother Zayeda Khatun. Following Zayeda Khatun’s removal after the July uprising, the government appointed Sharaf Uddin Ahmed, Dhaka divisional commissioner, as administrator.
