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Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton has claimed that the secretary-general of a major political party owns 700 auto-rickshaws while advocating for the government to accept drivers’ demands to allow battery-run vehicles on Dhaka’s roads.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating the repainting of graffiti commemorating the July uprising on metro rail pillars in Mirpur-10 on Friday morning (October 9).
“Not a single person in Bangladesh would protest in favour of auto-rickshaws,” Milton said, adding that the political identities of those who took part in a recent demonstration had already been revealed.
His remarks appeared to refer to Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Golam Porwar, who recently said at a press conference that the government should accept the demands of battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers. The statement drew widespread criticism.
Referring to the Jamaat leader’s position, Milton said it was “ridiculous” to insist that the government accept the drivers’ demands. He claimed that subsequent inquiries had revealed that the leader reportedly owned 700 auto-rickshaws.
The DNCC administrator further alleged that a political party was conspiring to destabilise the situation by inciting hawkers and rickshaw drivers.
Speaking about the graffiti restoration initiative, Milton said posters would be removed from metro rail pillars and the graffiti repainted within 72 hours. He said the initiative would not be politicised and that those who had played roles in the country’s movements and struggles would be represented in the artwork.
He also said damaged footpaths in various areas would be repaired and improved to make them more attractive.
