NCP demands resignation of Ctg mayor to ensure fair election

Chattogram city unit of NCP yesterday demanded the resignation of Mayor Sahadat Hossain, citing concerns over law and order in the port city and the need to ensure a level playing field ahead of the national election slated for 12 February.

Criticising the recent notice of the Chattogram Metropolitan Police banning 332 listed criminals from entering the city, the party also rejected it at a press conference at Biplab Udyan.  

Mohammad Erfanul Haque, city unit joint coordinator of the party, read out the written statement on behalf of the party.

He argued that the continuation of a BNP-nominated individual as mayor undermines the principle of electoral neutrality as the party has four candidates in the city area. 

"If a BNP-backed person remains in such an influential position, there can be no level playing field in the upcoming election, which will raise serious questions about its credibility," he said.

The mayor's presence in office has created public unease and voter anxiety as he (mayor) has been actively participating in election campaigns for BNP candidates while holding office, the NCP leader claimed.

Referring to the resignations of advisers Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyah and Mahfuj Alam for the neutrality of the election process, he said Mayor Sahadat must step down in the same spirit.

The mayor is coordinating the BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman's rally scheduled to be held at Chattogram Polo Ground on 25 January, he said, alleging that if an active leader of a political party remains in office as mayor, it will damage the level playing field and make the election questionable.

Noting that the mayor's tenure will expire on 27 January and election campaigning will begin on 22 January, the NCP leader said his immediate resignation is essential to ensure a free, fair and neutral electoral environment.

Regarding the police notice on the listed criminals, he called it irresponsible and an attempt by law enforcement agencies to evade their duties.

"If CMP already knows the names, identities and locations of these criminals, why have they not been arrested?" he asked. "Rule of law does not mean allowing criminals to change locations. It means arresting them wherever they are."

Demanding the immediate arrest of all criminals, he warned of tougher programmes if security of candidates, voters and city residents is not ensured ahead of the national election.

City unit joint coordinators Arif Moinuddin, Zubayer Hossain, Nizam Uddin, Jasim Uddin Opel, members Mohammad Sohrab Chowdhury, Azgar Ali Ashikh, Mohammad Azad, Emdadul Haq, and Mohammad Belal Hossain, among others, were at the press conference.