The former governor of Bangladesh Bank Dr Mohammed Farashuddin has proposed taking high fees at the existing toll plazas from the outsiders while entering into the capital. He laid emphasis on decentralization of Dhaka, discouraging Dhaka rush and spelled warning about the outcomes if the government fails to do so. He came up with the proposal while addressing the concluding session of the Development Fair at Shilpakala Academy yesterday.
Prime Minister's Political Adviser and Awami League Advisory Council Member HT Imam attended the event as the chief guest. Drawing the attention of HT Imam, Farashuddin said the recommendations need to be prioritized and placed for PM's consideration.
The former BB Governor said: "The school and office time in the capital could be flexible like the developed countries. If the office hours begin, for example, at 9:00am and 11:00am, the morning rush might be reduced." The 'district quota' for schools should be scrapped. Instead, according to Farashuddin, the kids should be in local schools without pursuing journey and traffic jam.
"Currently we are experiencing a total chaos on the city streets. Rather it should be left lanes must turn left like the other countries. Apart from, taking stern action against the land grabbers and tax dodgers is a must. The ramspant encroachment of Dhaka water bodies worries us," he added.
Meantime, HT Imam admitted that the authorities failed to provide school zones and introducing separate school buses in Dhaka. He discouraged private cars and voiced for imposing high taxes on privately owned vehicles. "We have to reoccupy the lands and water bodies. However, the country is full of grabbers and we are already exhausted with them," said Imam.
Dhaka DC Mohammad Salah Uddin presided over the program while Bangla Academy DG Shamsuzzaman Khan was present as the special guest.
-AA Correspondent