BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday pledged to widen the road from the capital’s ECB Square to Jasimuddin Avenue in Uttara via Manikadi–Balughat to 60 feet and to construct at least 40 playgrounds across Dhaka city, including one in the area.
He made the commitments while addressing a roadside election meeting for the Dhaka-17 constituency at the ECB premises around 3:45pm on February 8.
Tarique said that if the BNP forms the government, it will work to transform not only Dhaka-17 but the entire capital into a safe and livable city.
“We want to build a Dhaka where mothers and sisters can move safely at any time, children can play in open fields, and ordinary people can live and do business without fear,” he said.
Highlighting the shortage of playgrounds in the city, he said Dhaka currently lacks adequate open spaces for children and adolescents. “If BNP comes to power, at least 40 playgrounds will be built to ensure the physical and mental development of children. Elderly people and women will also be able to walk there in the afternoons,” he added.
Referring to infrastructure development, Tarique said widening the road from ECB Square to Jasimuddin Avenue has long been a demand of local residents. “If BNP forms the government, the road will be widened to ease movement and reduce traffic congestion,” he said.
Calling himself a “child of the area,” Tarique said he grew up there, and his children were also born in the locality. “That is why I deeply feel the happiness and sorrow of the people here,” he added.
Towards the end of his speech, he urged voters of the Dhaka-17 constituency to cast their ballots in favour of the BNP’s paddy sheaf symbol in the 13th national parliamentary elections on February 12, seeking an opportunity to serve the area.
Local BNP leaders and activists, as well as residents, were present at the road meeting.