Atiqul vows to make Dhaka North great again

Atiqul Islam has vowed that if re-elected as mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), he will eradicate the dengue menace and incorporate a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit casino business. 

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after submitting nomination forms for the mayoral post of Dhaka North City Corporation at Dhaka's Agargaon on Tuesday.

He said he will strive to eradicate dengue from his area, with the cooperation of everyone, if he is elected again as mayor.

Atiqul also said: "Councillors who are involved in the casino business will not be tolerated."

When asked about BNP calling this election farcical, he posed a question asking how a party can predict from the beginning that they will not be able to participate in this election. 

He said: "I believe this election will be participatory. The reality is that one will win and another will lose. I have participated in a BGMEA election before, but never abandoned it halfway through."

Expressing his hopes on winning the election, the former DNCC mayor said: "We will win by the votes of the general people. The boat [Awami League's electoral symbol] has no back gear. I believe that victory is mine."

The Awami League has picked Atiqul Islam and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as its mayoral candidates for the elections of Dhaka's two city corporations, slated for January 30.