Despite clear electoral mandates, two key parliamentary seats in Chattogram — Fatikchhari and Sitakunda — remain vacant, with the winning candidates expected to wait at least another month due to legal complications.
Until a final ruling from the High Court is delivered, both the publication of the official gazette and the swearing-in of the elected representatives remain uncertain.
The first session of the 13th National Parliament is currently underway at the National Parliament Building in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, where 296 members of parliament are engaged in legislative work and debates on key issues.
However, Sarwar Alamgir of Fatikchhari and Mohammad Aslam Chowdhury of Sitakunda remain outside the proceedings, as they have yet to receive formal recognition as members of parliament due to the ongoing legal impasse.
In the Fatikchhari constituency, BNP candidate Sarwar Alamgir was allowed by the court to contest the election following an appeal against allegations of loan default. However, the court simultaneously ordered that the result be withheld. As a result, despite leading in the vote, his official gazette has not been published.
A similar situation prevails in Sitakunda. BNP candidate Aslam Chowdhury was also permitted by the court to participate in the election despite a loan-related case, but the court barred the publication of the result until final disposal. Consequently, he has not been able to take the oath of office.
Conversations across different areas of Fatikchhari indicate a growing sense of unease among residents as their elected representative remains absent from parliament.
Abdur Rahman of Nazirhat said, “We cast our votes and chose our representative. If he cannot go to parliament, then who will speak about the development of the area? Some work may be going on, but without representation in parliament, we are being deprived of major decisions.”
In Dharmapur, homemaker Saima Nishat expressed a similar view. “We voted for Sarwar, and he stands by the people. But there is a sense of incompleteness as he has not been able to take the oath as an MP. To bring government benefits, becoming a member of parliament is essential,” she said.
However, Sarwar Alamgir remains politically active despite the situation. He said, “The respect people have given me is the most important thing. I have not been able to take the oath, but I remain by their side. That is my strength.”
He said long-term plans for the development of Fatikchhari have already been taken, and work is underway to prepare a “blueprint” under party directives.
A similar picture has emerged in Sitakunda. Local resident Kamal Uddin from the Baraiyarhat area said, “For us, the most urgent issues are roads and the security of the industrial zone. Without an MP, there is no one to strongly represent these concerns in Dhaka. Efforts are made locally, but many initiatives cannot move forward without central decisions.”
Offering a different perspective, young entrepreneur Tanvir Hossain of Sitakunda municipality said, “It is important for the legal process to be completed so that there are no questions in the future.
However, if development plans are prepared during this period, that is a positive sign. What is needed now is a transparent resolution.”
Meanwhile, Aslam Chowdhury is also awaiting the court’s decision. He said, “Without the gazette being published, the question of taking the oath does not arise. However, I continue my political and social activities in the area.”
He claimed that all allegations brought against him have already been withdrawn and that a positive resolution may come soon.
Concern is growing locally as both constituencies have remained without members of parliament for an extended period.
Many believe a sense of stagnation has emerged, as there is no direct participation in development projects, budget allocations, or policy discussions.
Although both leaders remain active in their respective areas, the absence of parliamentary representation has yet to be addressed.
Officials concerned at the Election Commission said there is no scope to act beyond the court’s directives. The results for the two constituencies cannot be published until the cases are resolved.
It is learnt that the hearing of Sarwar Alamgir’s case is scheduled for the last week of April. Meanwhile, Aslam Chowdhury’s side is also expecting a swift resolution of his case.
If all proceeds as expected, those concerned hope the uncertainty surrounding the two constituencies may be resolved within the next month.
Until then, voters in Fatikchhari and Sitakunda see little option but to wait, as they continue to look forward to seeing their elected representatives in parliament.
