Shahadat Hossain takes oath as Chattogram mayor

He is sworn into office three and a half years after the Chattogram City Corporation election following a ruling by the electoral tribunal

Shahadat Hossain has been sworn in as mayor of Chattogram three and a half years after the city corporation election following a ruling by the electoral tribunal.

Local Government Advisor AF Hassan Ariff administered the oath at the Secretariat on Sunday.

During the ceremony, the advisor honoured the memory of those injured and killed in the July movement and said, “This oath is of great importance. It marks a post-revolution period. This government is not a routine caretaker government.

“It was established as a trust to meet the demands of students, workers, and the public that arose during the mass uprising. We are its trustees, and the people of Bangladesh are the beneficiaries.”

In the January 2021 election for Chattogram City Corporation, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, the candidate for the Awami League's 'boat' symbol, won with 369,248 votes. His closest rival, BNP candidate Shahadat Hossain, running with the 'paddy sheaf' symbol, secured 52,489 votes.

Alleging electoral fraud, Shahadat, a former BNP organising secretary, filed a petition with the Election Tribunal that same month. On Oct 1, 2024, after the fall of the Awami League administration, Judge Mohammad Khairul Amin of the Chattogram Election Tribunal, also a joint district and sessions judge, declared Shahadat as the elected mayor.

Following the court’s decision, the Election Commission amended the gazette on Oct 8 to officially recognise Shahadat as mayor, after which he took his oath.

Expressing his hopes for the new mayor, Ariff said, “I extend my sincere congratulations to the new mayor. It is important to remember that he now leads a major city in post-revolution Bangladesh. His duty is to uphold and advance the aspirations of this revolution.”

“I'd like to see Mayor Shahadat Hossain work towards building a strong, fair Bangladesh that honours the sacrifices of students, workers, and citizens. I believe this is the hope of every resident of Chattogram and our collective aspiration for an inclusive nation.”

Recalling his 60-year connection with Chattogram, he added, “I want to see a green city, surrounded by hills and free from waterlogging.

“I want every citizen to receive the services they need. This is also the expectation of Chattogram's people.”

After the Sheikh Hasina regime was toppled by a student-led mass uprising, mayors and councillors of all city corporations were removed, and administrators were appointed. Now, Chattogram is the only city with an active mayor.

Ariff also mentioned that a 17-strong committee has been formed to support the mayor, as there are currently no councillors in Chattogram. Full-time administrators will soon be appointed to other city corporations.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury served as the mayor of Chattogram for nearly three and a half years. Arif noted that Shahadat Hossain will serve for the remaining term of the five-year period.

Shahadat outlined his vision for a well-coordinated city, working with service agencies.

During his oath-taking, he said, “If Chattogram prospers, Bangladesh will prosper. Therefore, if Chattogram city's infrastructure is developed, it will drive the entire country forward.

“I ask for everyone’s support. I will do my utmost to deliver on the promises of a green, clean, and healthy city as outlined in my electoral manifesto.”