He said these at an exchange meeting with leaders of the Panchayat Committee of Bangshal area at Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday. Member of Parliament for Dhaka-7 constituency Hamidur Rahman Hamid and local representatives were present at the meeting.

At the meeting, locals raised various civic problems, including drainage, waterlogging, waste management, cleanliness and transportation. At the same time, they demanded immediate repairs as the pond's bank collapsed and surrounding buildings became risky.

Abdus Salam said that since the pond is not under DSCC, development work there with government funds is not possible. If the management is handed over to the City Corporation, the pond will be built in the model of a modern park through preservation, beautification, lighting and greening.

He said a technical team led by the chief engineer of DSCC will soon inspect the pond to see the situation on the ground. Work will be done to preserve the heritage of Old Dhaka with the cooperation of local public representatives and the Panchayat Committee.