The Chattogram metropolitan unit of the National Citizen Party (NCP) has formally demanded the immediate resignation of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Shahadat Hossain. The demand was issued during a press conference held today, January 19, at Biplob Udyan in the port city.
Addressing the media, NCP Chattogram Metropolitan Unit Joint Coordinator Mohammad Erfanul Haque expressed deep concern over the Mayor’s continued presence in office during the ongoing election period. He argued that the situation has created anxiety among voters regarding the neutrality of the upcoming polls.
Allegations of Partisanship
The NCP leader alleged that Shahadat Hossain, who is a prominent leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been actively participating in electoral programs for BNP candidates. Specifically, he claimed the Mayor is coordinating a major BNP rally scheduled for January 25 at the Polo Ground in Chattogram.
“It would be difficult to ensure a neutral election if a party-affiliated individual remains in the mayoral post,” Mohammad Erfanul Haque stated. He emphasized that maintaining a level playing field for the national election is impossible if an active political leader holds such a significant administrative position.
Timeline and Precedents
The controversy comes at a critical time for the city’s administration and the broader electoral landscape:
- January 22: Official start of the election campaign.
- January 25: Scheduled BNP rally at Polo Ground.
- January 27: Official end of the current CCC mayoral term.
To support their demand, the NCP cited recent precedents where individuals stepped down from influential positions to safeguard electoral integrity. They specifically mentioned Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam, who recently resigned from their advisory posts in the interim government ahead of the elections.
The NCP warned that if the Mayor does not step down, his presence in office could severely compromise the election atmosphere in the port city.
