State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam attended a views-exchange meeting held this afternoon in the conference room of the Local Government Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - A high-level committee has been formed following the Prime Minister's directives to keep the lakes in Gulshan, Banani and other areas of the capital clean and ensure smooth water flow.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam will serve as the head of the committee.

The state minister announced the formation of the committee during a views-exchange meeting this afternoon at the conference room of the Local Government Division at Bangladesh Secretariat. 

The meeting aimed to resolve waterlogging in Dhaka metropolis, keep lakes and canals clean, ensure water flow, and enhance their beauty. 

Mir Shahe Alam said that short-, medium-, and long-term plans have been adopted for the beautification and cleanliness of the lakes.

"Visible changes in the management of the capital's lakes and canals will be seen within the next six months. Cleanliness activities and awareness initiatives have been intensified in anticipation of the upcoming dengue season," said the state minister.

He also sought the cooperation of the media and civil society for this work. 

He further added that the government is ready to take all necessary measures to enhance citizen facilities. He called upon representatives of citizen societies to submit action plans for their respective areas to the ministry in coordination with the city corporations and RAJUK.

Prime Minister's Assistant Private Secretary Abdur Rahman Sani said coordination between city corporations, RAJUK, and societies needs to be further increased for waste management and traffic congestion relief. 

As part of the short-term plan, Sani urged for a complete shutdown of sewerage lines into the lakes. He also suggested arranging food for animals at certain designated points within the city.

The Secretary of the Local Government Division, the Chairman of RAJUK, the Managing Director of Dhaka WASA, the Chief Executive Officers and Chief Engineers of Dhaka North and South City Corporations, their Chief Waste Management Officers, research officers from the Prime Minister's Office, and senior officials of the Local Government Division were present in the meeting.