Shipping adviser won't be allowed to enter Ctg without clarifying extortion claims: Mayor Shahadat

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain will not be allowed to enter Chattogram city until he provides a clear explanation regarding his statements on extortion, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain said today (10 December).

He made the remarks during his keynote address at the anniversary event of the Chattogram Press Club's interim committee.

The mayor said the adviser recently visited Chattogram and, in the presence of journalists, reportedly claimed that "all the mayors were plunderers."

Shahadat said he contacted the adviser, warning that unless a clarification was issued, he would hold a press conference and the adviser would be barred from entering the city.

The adviser reportedly responded that his statement referred only to former mayors.

Shahadat said he also challenged the adviser's claim that the port generates Tk2 to 2.5 crore daily in extortion.

He said the city corporation receives no holding tax revenue from the port, yet 30-40 tonnes of vehicles passing over the city's weak roads cause extensive damage, costing the corporation Tk300-400 crore in repairs.

He emphasised that suggesting extortion without acknowledging the city corporation's rightful revenue effectively encourages illegal activity.

The mayor urged the adviser to identify the individuals involved so the city can take corrective action in collaboration with residents.

Highlighting other civic challenges, Shahadat noted that the Chattogram City Corporation spends Tk720 crore annually on education subsidies, limiting its ability to pay teachers' salaries on time.

He also cited past financial irregularities involving port funds deposited in now-defunct banks, stressing that accountability is necessary.