Special Correspondent: The oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected 340 road representatives of Dhaka’s New Town Society was held in a grand and solemn environment on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the auditorium of Setubandhan Tower within the New Town Society premises. Notably, the democratic election concluded with the final result declaration on March 2, 2025.
The ceremony was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Nesar Uddin Ahmed, who urged all present representatives to serve the people with honesty, dedication, and accountability. Other members of the election commission—Md. Motasim Billah, Advocate Nuruzzaman, Khwaja Masum Bellah Kausarey, Jasim Uddin Sikder—and Election Commission Secretary and Society’s Member Secretary Md. Abu Zafar played vital roles in conducting the oath ceremony smoothly.
Advisors of the society attended as guests and gave speeches. Among them, Md. Kamal Hossain and Mirza Helal Uddin emphasized that the New Town Society stands as a shining example of local democracy. They remarked that this election was not just a formality but a reflection of people’s aspirations. The oath being taken today reaffirms our commitment to democratic values.
The event was attended by prominent journalists from national dailies, human rights activists, and distinguished personalities from society. They noted that such transparent and participatory elections at the local level have become a rare example in today’s Bangladesh. The presence of the media and third-party election observers helped ensure electoral transparency.
Following the oath, the newly elected representatives pledged to build a drug-free society, prevent extortion, improve drainage systems, ensure safe mobility, and preserve social harmony. Each of them committed to working sincerely to meet the expectations of the people.
At one point in the event, the Member Secretary of New Town Society stated—“You have received the people’s mandate. Now is the time to honor that trust. Personal ideologies or interests must not come before the welfare of the people.”
As special attractions, the oath ceremony included Quran recitation, patriotic songs, and a reading of a peace pledge symbolizing social harmony.
Presided over by Nesar Uddin Ahmed, the Convener of New Town Society, and moderated by Member Secretary Md. Abu Zafar, the oath-taking ceremony of the elected members of the general council was lively and festive. A get-together followed the event where newly elected representatives directly interacted with the people.
Ms.Tasmina Enan Trina, Executive Committee Member of non-governmental development organization SEDRO and a local resident, said—the election and this oath ceremony have raised hopes that a truly responsible and people-oriented leadership will emerge in New Town and that they will further accelerate the journey of humanitarian welfare.
It is also worth mentioning that the New Town Society was formed last August amid a national political crisis when local law and order had severely deteriorated. At that time, the society was formed through spontaneous initiatives by residents to ensure civic safety and social order, with the core motto “Harmony, Transparency, and Service.”
This oath-taking ceremony of New Town Society will remain a memorable milestone in local democracy and participatory governance.
