Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Wednesday that some of the country’s most educated and affluent citizens live in Dhaka’s upscale and newly developed residential areas, adding that greater public awareness and coordinated efforts could help transform the capital into a cleaner city.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Urban Waste Management: A Shared Responsibility” organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) at Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan, he said areas such as Banani, Gulshan, Baridhara and Bashundhara are predominantly home to educated and affluent residents.

“A little more awareness and coordinated initiatives from these citizens can play a significant role in making Dhaka a beautiful and clean city,” he said.

The seminar was chaired by DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan.

Mirza Fakhrul said residents of the city’s affluent neighbourhoods are generally more aware and financially capable, making it easier for them to maintain cleanliness and keep their surroundings tidy.

“If we all work together to raise awareness among people and build a social movement around cleanliness, the distinguished residents of these areas can lead that movement,” he added.

He also stressed the importance of instilling cleanliness habits in children from an early age.

“We need to teach children in primary schools and kindergartens that they have a responsibility to keep their surroundings, schools and city clean. If we can instil this awareness in children, we can take the city much further,” he said.

Referring to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology in enforcing traffic laws, the minister said technology has encouraged greater compliance with road regulations.

“More recently, since cameras and technology have been introduced at traffic signals, people have started obeying the law because they know AI can detect violations and fines are issued automatically,” he said.

He said such use of technology not only enforces the law but also helps develop greater civic awareness and responsibility among citizens.