The mayors of Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal took the decision at a 150-minute closed door meeting in Dhaka Thursday night, with Shaikh Tayebur Rahman of Khulna presiding as the eldest among the five.

Mayor Mohiuddin Ahmed of Chittagong could not attend the meeting as he is out of the country for medical treatment.

The mayors have decided to hold a meeting with the prime minister soon to convey their demands as well as some suggestions for further empowerment and strengthening of the city corporations, according to a source.

"We want an end to the dual administration in the city corporations, besides abolition of activities of development authorities and voluntary organisations, with a view to provide better services to our citizens without interference from others," said the mayor of Khulna.

He said they will meet and present some proposals to the prime minister for her approval which are aimed at ensuring better living condition for the city-dwellers and implementing various development programmes undisturbed in the metropolises.