‘Tarique Rahman was elected by millions of people’

Yusuf Molla Tipu, the seventh Administrator of Cumilla City Corporation (CoCC), says Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assumed office through a democratic process after being elected by millions of voters.

In an exclusive interview with The New Nation, Tipu discussed the challenges facing Cumilla, measures to ease traffic congestion and waterlogging, his experience during the July mass uprising, and his views on the government’s future.

The New Nation: What challenges have you faced since becoming the Administrator of Cumilla City Corporation?

Yusuf Molla Tipu: The biggest challenge is that Cumilla has long been neglected. Unplanned urbanisation during the previous government caused significant damage to the city. Our main challenge is to transform Cumilla into a modern, clean and pollution-free city, free from traffic congestion and waterlogging, where residents can easily access civic services.

The New Nation: What initiatives have you taken to ease traffic congestion?
Yusuf Molla Tipu: Since taking office, we have taken several measures to address the city’s problems. We have initiated steps to widen roads and remove illegal encroachments from footpaths. We have also cleared areas occupied by unauthorised markets.

In addition, we are working to bring auto-rickshaws under a registration system and limit their number to between 7,000 and 8,000.

The New Nation: What steps have you taken to address waterlogging?
Yusuf Molla Tipu: Waterlogging is a longstanding problem in Cumilla, and resolving it will not be easy. We have already appointed a consultant, and survey teams are currently working on the issue. We are seeking a permanent solution.

We are also examining ways to move overhead utility lines underground and develop the city according to a proper urban plan.

The New Nation: Do you have any initiatives to build a modern Cumilla?
Yusuf Molla Tipu: Certainly. We are working systematically to develop a modern Cumilla. Our goal is to transform the city into a model city for Bangladesh.

The New Nation: Your home was attacked on July 19 during the July mass uprising. How do you view that incident?

Yusuf Molla Tipu: During the July mass uprising, BNP Secretary General and current President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced a nationwide protest programme on July 19 to condemn the killings of Abu Sayed and Wasim.

As we were preparing for the protest and our leaders and activists were gathering, Awami League supporters allegedly opened indiscriminate fire. They first attacked the residence of our leader Alhaj Aminur Rashid Yasin, who is now the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock and was then the convener of the district BNP.

Later, when leaders and activists gathered in front of the office of my organisation, ‘Bibek’, at my residence, we came under attack. Many of us, including myself, sustained gunshot wounds.

On Tuesday, my comrade and Chhatra Dal leader Akhtar passed away. Despite these attacks, we did not leave the streets. We remained there until the government left office on August 5.

I am involved in politics, I am on the streets, and I will remain on the streets.
The New Nation: You are working to build a new Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman. Some people claim that the government will not last five years. What is your view?

Yusuf Molla Tipu: I do not think this is something we should pay much attention to. I see no reason why the government would not complete its term.

The previous government left the country in a difficult situation, and we believe Tarique Rahman, as the successor of Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, is working to move the country forward.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman did not assume responsibility on his own. He became Prime Minister through a democratic process after being elected by millions of people. He works tirelessly for the country, from 7am until late at night, and is developing plans to build a self-reliant Bangladesh.

If you want to achieve something significant, you have to give it time. We observe his daily activities and conduct closely. Ultimately, everything is in the hands of Allah. We believe Tarique Rahman can take Bangladesh in a positive direction.

The New Nation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, did you organise the burial of deceased people through ‘Bibek’ for publicity, or was it motivated by humanitarian concerns?

Yusuf Molla Tipu: Would anyone risk their life simply for publicity? During the pandemic, 11 members of ‘Bibek’ buried a total of 476 bodies.

We must remember what those days were like. There were occasions when mothers were afraid to approach their own children, while relatives refused to go near the bodies of their loved ones. Despite the risk to our own lives, we buried as many as 12 bodies in a single day, working from morning until evening.

On one Eid-ul-Adha, we buried seven bodies.
We did this out of a sense of humanity, fully aware that we could also lose our lives. We certainly did not do it for popularity.

We believe we were able to perform this humanitarian work because Almighty Allah chose us for the task. Had we had even the slightest ulterior motive, Allah might not have entrusted us with it.
The New Nation: Thank you for the interview.

Yusuf Molla Tipu: Thank you as well. I also thank The New Nation, the country’s first English-language daily newspaper.