"I think the government will positively consider the proposal for materialising the dream for a self-reliant and clean city. If it does not, I will move with people to realise the demand," Mohidduin told reporters in the capital yesterday.

He was speaking on 'City development: expectations and achievements of city dwellers' at Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU).

Earlier, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia administered oath of office to the CCC mayor at the International Conference Centre.

Mohiuddin, who took oath as mayor for the third term consecutively, said the city government will not be a parallel government but it will be an effective local government as in many developed countries.

He however said the draft of the city government that also demands financial authority needs scrutiny and discussion at various levels to ensure its acceptability.

"It is not possible for a city corporation to deal with problems of electricity, water supply, law and order, transport, housing, telephone, sewerage, road construction, environmental pollution and public health as these are beyond a city corporation's jurisdiction," Mohiuddin said.

"Coordination of at least 17 departments that provide these services is necessary, and only a city government can ensure this," the mayor said justifying his proposal..

Replying a question, the mayor said that during an exchange of views after the oath-taking ceremony, the prime minister assured him of all cooperation.

On his victory against the ruling coalition-backed candidate in the May 9 mayoral polls race, Mohiuddin said people of the port city accepted his 40-point election pledge that includes the concept of city government.

"We have proved in Chittagong that development is possible without increasing taxes and this process will continue," he said.

In reply to a query, Mohiuddin, also a frontline leader of the main opposition Awami League (AL), said, "Bangladesh can benefit financially by allowing India to use Chittagong port. I don't believe the country (Bangladesh) will be sold out if a neighbouring country uses its sea port."

He also favoured local as well as foreign investment for the development of Chittagong port.

After the oath-taking ceremony, the prime minister exchanged greetings with Mohiuddin and wished him success. She also exchanged pleasantries with Mohiuddin's wife.

Khaleda also exchanged greetings with Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Badruddin Ahmed Kamran who was present on the occasion.

The ceremony was attended by LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, State Minister for LGRD Ziaul Huq Zia, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdullah Al Noman, Prime Minister's Parliamentary Affairs Advisor Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, Dhaka Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mohammad Shahta Zarab, Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka Abdullah M Al-Obaid Al-Namlah and newly elected CCC ward commissioners.

Mohiuddin met AL President Sheikh Hasina at the party's Dhanmondi office last night.