DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz attended the "Partnership for Healthy City Summit" in Paris. Photo: DNCC

DHAKA, March 22, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) 
Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has called for financial grants, not loans, from 
developed countries and international organisations to address the challenges 
of the city.

He said this in response to a question from journalists while participating 
in the "Partnership for Healthy City Summit" organised in Paris, an official 
release said here today.

The summit was held in Paris from March 18-21. 

A total of 330 representatives including 12 mayors from 61 cities around the 
world participated in the conference organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies, 
the World Health Organization, Vital Strategies and the Paris City Authority.

Talking to reporters, the DNCC administrator said, "Bangladesh is one of the 
countries' most affected by climate change. The capital Dhaka and other 
cities in Bangladesh are facing various challenges. Currently, air pollution 
is one of the major problems in Dhaka. 

"Since pollution has no boundaries, we are constantly affected by pollution 
caused by industrialization in the surrounding cities and the country. This 
international network can provide technical and financial assistance to 
affected cities like Dhaka to address the challenges. It will be also 
possible to achieve the goals of the Partnership for Healthy Cities Network 
in this way," he added.

In response to a question from journalists, he said, "We are not interested 
in receiving loan assistance from developed countries and international 
development organisations to address the challenges of our cities. Since 
according to the climate agreement, industrialized countries are responsible 
for providing financial assistance to the affected countries through the Loss 
and Damage Fund, we are calling on them for financial grants instead of 
loans."

Mohammad Ejaz also announced plans to build urban hostels, rest centers, and 
public toilets to build a healthy Dhaka.