CTG’s new mayor promises to be a ‘servant, not a father’ of the city

In his first address to the people of Chattogram, newly elected Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Shahadat Hossain described himself as a servant of the city and not its “father”.

Addressing a large crowd at a function organized at the old Chattogram railway station this afternoon, Shahadat called for unity and cooperation of citizens from all walks of life to build a cleaner, greener and healthier city.

“I want to be with you not as the father of a city with a population of seven million, but as a servant of the city. I want to serve you, to be with you,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to working for all the people of the city, regardless of religion, caste or language, as their “servant”.

Shahadat, who was previously serving as president of BNP’s Chattgram city unit, arrived in Chattogram from Dhaka by train earlier in the day. He reflected on the struggles of BNP activists, acknowledging their difficulties.

“You haven’t been able to stay home for the last 18 years,” he told them. “There was no one to look after your family… I can’t pay back your debt.”

Reflecting on the difficulties faced by BNP supporters, he said: “Countless people have been killed extrajudicially across the country. More than six million BNP people have been accused in one lakh cases across the country, including Chattogram, but still you have not deviated from ideology.”

Addressing the city’s residents, Shahadat emphasized his vision for Chattogram: “I am your child. This city belongs to all of us. Let’s build a beautiful city together.

“This city will be clean, green and healthy. Give me some time and I will finish it. You are always deep in my heart.”

Several thousand people gathered at the old station to attend a reception in honor of the new mayor.