News Flash
DHAKA, July 19, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Azaz today said two bridges will be constructed over the Norai River to improve connectivity between Aftab Nagar and Banasree.
"There is no alternative route for traveling from Aftab Nagar to Banasree other than the main road. Therefore, to improve convenience for the locals, at least two bridges will be constructed over the Narai River. These bridges will provide easy and direct connectivity between the two residential areas," he said.
He was addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Waste Cleaning and Tree Plantation Programme' at Banasree Khalpar (Narai River) area in Banasree here organised by the Samomona Parisha with the overall support of the DNCC.
The proposed bridge will be called 'Narai Bridge', he said, adding, "The canal that we all know today as Banasree Canal was also a flowing Norai River in the 1980s".
The river was occupied by illegal encroachment and converted into a canal, he said, adding that the Water Development Board has already re-listed it as 'Norai River' on the DNCC's initiative.
He also said, "If this river can be saved, there will be a possibility of starting passenger transport services from Rampura to Sadarghat and Mirpur by waterways via Shitalakshya, Dhaleshwari and Balu rivers in the future."
The DNCC administrator spoke about ongoing efforts to improve waste management, especially around Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara Lakes with assistance from the World Bank.
Expressing his resentment over extortion in the waste management system and road encroachments, Azaz said that Dhaka's waste management is being hampered due to extortion syndicates and it has become difficult to free the footpaths from encroachments.
Inaugurating the tree plantation program at the event, he said, "It is not enough to just plant trees, we have to ensure their care for at least two to three years. Only then will it be possible to ensure a sustainable green environment."
Stressing on the awareness of citizens about not throwing garbage in the canal, the administrator said, the participation of the citizens in the efforts to protect the canal is very important.
"The city is ours, we have to protect its beauty and wellbeing," he said.
The program was presided over by Samomona Parishad, Banasree President Md. Shahbuddin Sikder.
As part of the program, a cleanliness drive and tree plantation event was held, with active participation from local residents, volunteer groups and the DNCC's cleanliness department.
