Tk 2bn development project a gift to Dhaka North mayor-elect Annisul Huq, says Mustafa Kamal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gifted a Tk 2 billion project to Dhaka North mayor-elect Annisul Huq, says Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal.

The ECNEC meeting at the National Economic Council office at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Tuesday approved the scheme.
 
The minister made the claim while detailing the project titled ‘"Construction and improvement of Roads, Drains and footpaths of Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara diplomatic areas.”
 
He continued Hasina would also gift a project to Dhaka South mayor-elect Sayeed Khokon.
 
Huq, a businessman, stepped into politics after the Awami League’s surprising decision to support his run for Dhaka North City Corporation mayor.
 
In the Apr 28 votes, the 63-year old former FBCCI president polled 460,117 votes. His nearest rival, BNP-backed Tabith Mohammed Awal, secured 325,080 votes.
 
The mayor and councillors-elect are expected to take oath in a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
 
The project, which was put before the ECNEC for final nod, would be his first development initiative as mayor.
 
Planning Commission’s Physical Infrastructure Division Member Arastoo Khan told bdnews24.com: “Besides being a diplomatic zone, nearly all corporate headquarters are located in Gulshan, Banani.
 
“These companies provide nearly 42 percent of the revenue in the budget. The government believes they should be given unhampered passage.
 
Nearly 40 kilometres of road, 56 kilometres of open drains, 25 kilometres of pipe drains and 56 kilometres of footpath development are to be fixed in the project.
 
The government will bear Tk 1.4 billion, the rest is to be arranged by Dhaka North City Corporation.