Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

A week-long "Special Citizen Service Week" was observed in Narayanganj metropolis, organized by Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC). The program, held from August 1 to August 7, was launched to mark the July Uprising Day. Under this initiative, essential services such as issuance of citizenship certificates, birth and death certificates were made more accessible to the public. A service camp was set up in front of the City Corporation building gate to facilitate the process.

According to NCC sources, in the last seven days, 530 trade licenses, 680 birth and death certificate applications, and around 500 citizenship certificate applications were processed under this program. The main objective of the week-long initiative was to ensure that citizens could receive necessary services without hassle. Each ward office was equipped with additional staff, information help desks, and direct supervision to carry out the activities smoothly.

Mohammad Mozammel Haque, a City Corporation official, said, "The July Uprising Day is not just a political occasion; we see it as a day to serve the people. This service week is a part of that effort. The special services include immediate issuance of citizenship certificates, verification and correction of online birth registration applications, issuance and document verification for death certificates, special assistance desks, and mobile help centers."

Asit Baran Bishwas, former councillor of Ward 15, said,"Many people get frustrated having to come multiple times for birth certificates. But this week, we have tried to ensure everything is done in one visit. We are staying in the field from morning till evening."

Mina Akter, a housewife from Siddhirganj who came to receive services, said, "Previously, it used to take a week to get the papers. Today, I got them within an hour. I hope this continues regularly."

To promote the service week, banners and posters were displayed at major intersections in the city, and public announcements (miking) were used to inform residents. A complaint book was kept at each ward office so that any harassment or inconvenience could be promptly addressed.

NCC Chief Executive Officer Md. Zakir Hossain said, "We want every citizen to receive services with dignity. Let this initiative set an example for the future." He also stated that there are plans to organize such programs every three months going forward. While several political parties also held events marking the July Uprising, the City Corporation took a non-partisan approach by focusing on citizens’ everyday needs, which has been met with a positive response from locals.

The Special Citizen Service Week concluded yesterday, Thursday (August 7). On the final day, ward-based consultation meetings and experience-sharing events for service recipients were held. The feedback from these sessions will be incorporated into future planning, officials said.