Purak Sarker, a Microbiology student at North South University, faced a dengue outbreak in his neighborhood due to accumulated garbage causing waterlogging. Unable to persuade their neighbors to take action, Purak’s family discovered the ‘Shobar Dhaka’ app by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). The app allows citizens to file complaints regarding various issues, such as garbage, mosquitoes, roads, and more. After submitting their complaint, a DNCC representative promptly visited their home, assessed the situation, and took immediate action. The next day, larvicides were sprayed, and a notice was issued to the negligent neighbors. This swift resolution impressed Purak and his family.
The ‘Shobar Dhaka’ app has benefited thousands of users, with a solution rate of 86% according to the information officer at DNCC. Mosquitoes, garbage, and roads are the most common complaints, while public toilets have fewer reports. Shahriar Sovon, a resident and digital marketing executive, has successfully resolved 80% of his submitted issues through the app. Although some users have expressed dissatisfaction, the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the ‘Shobar Dhaka’ app have made it a valuable tool for resolving citizen concerns in Dhaka.