The Dhaka North City, DNCC, mayor by-election is just a day away.

Campaigning has already ended with five candidates competing. Of the five, two candidates, Awami League’s Atiqul Islam and Jatiya Party’s Shafin Ahmed, are on the field.

While other candidates were not seen on the field, there is optimism about victory.

While the promises of most candidates are similar, there is skepticism among the city people as to how many of those will be implemented.

The other candidates are: Anisur Rahman Dewan of National People’s Party, Shahin Khan of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and independent candidate Abdur Rahim.

AL’s Atiqul Islam, says, “If I am elected then first I will try to understand the work; I will take measures to make the city a clean one; festoons and posters on walls will not be permitted and walls will feature art work.”

JP’s Shafin Ahmed, says, “We are at the top in air pollution, which has to be countered. I will also excavate canals and take a zero tolerance in dealing with drugs and adulterated food.”

Shafin also promised to recover footpaths and rehabilitate street hawkers.

He hoped that everyone will be able to come to the centre and cast their votes.

Independent candidate Mohammad Abdur Rahim, says I am competing with late Anis Bhai’s table clock as the symbol and want to complete his unfinished work. If elected I will work for the slum dwellers.

His promises include: rehabilitation of people in slums in multi-storied buildings, distribution of free medicine and preservation of human rights.

Commenting on the pledges made by mayor candidates, urban planner, Mobahser Hossain, said, “It’s easy to make promises but hard to fulfil them. After being elected, the first task of the mayor will be to talk with specialists and get an idea.”

Then, they should take realistic steps to tackle problems, he added.