Chattogram Mayor Shahadat Hossain pledges resignation upon announcement of fresh city polls
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Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain announced on Saturday that he would resign from his position as soon as an election schedule is officially declared. Speaking at the launch of the “Amader Chattogram” citizen services mobile application held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, the mayor urged the government to initiate the electoral process for the city.
Mayor Hossain emphasized his commitment to a legitimate and transparent transition, stating he has formally requested the Prime Minister and the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives to organize the polls. He underscored that a formal election is essential to restore democratic representation, allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leadership.
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Addressing the legitimacy of his current tenure, the mayor noted that he assumed office following a court order that validated his position until 2029, rather than through an appointment by force. He challenged those with grievances regarding his mandate to seek further legal recourse through the judicial system. Highlighting the administrative constraints of his current office, Mayor Hossain pointed out that the absence of elected ward councilors has hampered municipal operations and limited the efficiency of public service delivery.
The legal path to Mayor Hossain’s installation followed a contentious election cycle. Following the January 2021 municipal polls, which saw the victory of Awami League candidate Mohammad Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Hossain filed a case alleging widespread electoral fraud. After the fall of the previous government in August 2024, the interim administration removed mayors from 12 city corporations. In October 2024, an election tribunal annulled Chowdhury’s victory and declared Hossain the rightful winner. He was sworn into office on November 3.
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During the event, officials introduced the “Amader Chattogram” application, a digital system developed with financial support from Eastern Bank Limited at a cost of 30 million taka. Acting Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Ashraful Amin stated that the platform is designed to streamline municipal governance by allowing residents to report issues—such as waste management, mosquito control, road maintenance, and waterlogging—directly to the corporation. The system also integrates digital services including property tax payments, trade license applications, and birth registration.
The inauguration event saw attendance from high-ranking administrative and law enforcement officials, including the Chattogram Range DIG and the City Police Commissioner. While several local parliamentarians were slated to attend as guests of honor, they were absent from the proceedings. Officials later clarified that these representatives were attending a prior engagement in Chokoria, Cox’s Bazar, which prevented their participation in the launch.
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