The 11th death anniversary of Mohammad Hanif, the first elected mayor of Dhaka City Corporation, is being observed on Tuesday (November 28).

As part of the programmes to mark the day, LED billboards scattered around Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) areas are displaying messages that pay tribute to the ex-mayor. A number of such billboards are displaying a message saying: “Shwadin Bangladesh-er sthopoti mayor Mohammad Hanif- binomro sroddhanjoli,” roughly translated, it reads: a Humble tribute to Mayor Mohammad Hanif- the founding father of Bangladesh.






Those LED billboards were installed courtesy of the Dhaka South City Corporation. Many passing by have expressed disappointment at the billboards, which can be found in several areas of the city. Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation has admitted that the billboard message has been due to an error.
Responding to a query by the Bangla Tribune, DSCC Chief Revenue Officer Yusuf Ali Sardar said: “This could be the result of an error. I will direct officials concerned to correct the issue as soon as possible. “Those responsible for this blunder will be punished,” he added.
Mayor of DSCC Syeed Khokon could not be reached for comment over the matter.
Meanwhile, DSCC organised memorial meetings and is set to offer special prayers to mark the death anniversary of Mohammad Hanif. The programme began at 10 am in the Nagar Bhaban premises. Senior Awami League leaders, including Awami League General Secretary and also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and Mayor Sayeed Khokon, are scheduled to attend.
Mohammad Hanif passed away on November 28, 2006.
Several socio-political and government organizations, including the DSCC, Dhaka Metropolitan South unit of Awami League and its associate bodies, Mayor Mohammad Hanif Memorial Foundation and Mayor Mohammad Hanif Smriti Sangsad have organized programmes to mark the day. 

Photo: Nashirul Islam