Adversity and crisis in every direction: DSCC mayor Taposh

Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor TaposhUNB file photo

Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh plans to increase the productivity of the staff of the municipality by balancing a clampdown on corruption with improved facilities that can help motivate them as part of their remuneration.

Stern action will be taken against any corruption, any kind of negligence and inactions in the line of duty, said Taposh, who took office recently, during an exclusive Zoom interview with news agency UNB.

“I have had to start many things anew again since I took office," he said. “It can be said that I’ve started from zero. This is an ongoing process. Without administrative reform, no sound management or orderly structure can be created.”

The early sacking of two senior officials, who were said to be corrupt, almost his first acts at office, certainly sent a signal about the mayor’s intent in this regard. And he talks like he is in for the long haul to ensure good governance.

Those who are good and honest officers and employees, they have regained their enthusiasm for work
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh

"I have been engaged in administrative activities since day one. You’ll notice that I’ve taken strict action on this matter from the first day. Stern actions will be continued. No corruption as well as negligence in duty, waste of resources would be tolerated. This is an ongoing process, I will take action on whatever comes to my notice,” he said.

Following the strict early action, discipline has been instilled to some extent, Taposh said.

The mayor is convinced of the need for administrative reform in the city corporation, which he describes as rife with irregularities, chaos, corruption for a long time

“Those who are good and honest officers and employees, they have regained their enthusiasm for work,” said the mayor. “I think a new purpose has come back to work for Dhaka South City Corporation. It will remain in force.”

He said that in order to provide requisite and timely services to the city dwellers, the municipality’s entire workforce must fulfil their responsibilities properly. No one will be spared in this regard.

Asked about the challenges he is facing, Taposh said, “Simply put, there is adversity and crisis in every direction my hand moves. But I believe it is possible to overcome all the difficulties, if I work with confidence, devotion and sincerity.”

The mayor is convinced of the need for administrative reform in the city corporation, which he describes as rife with irregularities, chaos, corruption for a long time.

He did say that providing proper service to the city-dwellers is also a challenge.

To present Dhaka as clean, mosquito-free, traffic jam-free with footpaths free of hawkers and the city free from waterlogging, poses many challenges, added the mayor.

“I have started the overall work, the city dwellers will soon be able to enjoy the benefits, Insh’Allah,” said Taposh.

Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, son of slain Sheikh Moni, cousin of the prime minister, gave up his parliamentary seat to run for DSCC mayoral elections. He defeated the BNP candidate Tafsir Awal in the election on 1 March. He took over as the mayor of DSCC on 16 May.