Tensions flared in the port city between supporters of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain over allegations of removing July uprising graffiti.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) banned all rallies, meetings, processions, and public gatherings in the city’s Tigerpass area to contain the situation.
On Sunday night, NCP activists staged a demonstration in front of the city corporation office at Tigerpass, alleging that graffiti commemorating the July uprising was being removed. The demonstrators blocked the road and chanted slogans.
The situation escalated when BNP activists joined with a counter‑programme and brought out a procession. Later additional police personnel were deployed in the area.
NCP leader Arif Moinuddin accused the mayor’s supporters of defacing the graffiti and demanded his resignation. While addressing party workers past midnight in Lalkhan Bazar, Mayor Shahadat denied the allegations and said a section was deliberately trying to create unrest.
He pledged to preserve the memory of the July uprising by commissioning new artistic graffiti from Art College students, even offering personal funds if needed.
CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali announced that from Monday until further notice, all gatherings are banned along the main road from GEC intersection to Dewanhat and surrounding areas. He warned that violators will face strict legal action.
As last reported, tension prevailed in Tigerpass and nearby areas, with police patrols reinforced at key points.
