Tensions have flared in Chattogram between the National Citizen Party (NCP) and supporters of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Shahadat Hossain over allegations of erasing graffiti from the July uprising.
To maintain order, the Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) had banned all forms of meetings, processions, and public gatherings in Tigerpass, a key area of the city. The ban had since been withdrawn in the evening.
The unrest began on Sunday night when leaders and activists of the NCP’s city unit staged a protest in front of the CCC office in the Tigerpass area. The protesters alleged that graffiti drawn to commemorate the July uprising was being erased.
During the demonstration, they barricaded the road and chanted various slogans.
The situation escalated further when BNP activists brought out a counter-procession, leading to a standoff between the two groups. Law enforcement eventually brought the situation under control, and additional police forces were deployed to the area.
NCP leader Arif Moinuddin claimed on social media that individuals sent by the mayor were destroying the graffiti, and he subsequently demanded the mayor’s resignation.
However, Mayor Shahadat Hossain denied these allegations while addressing supporters in the Lalkhan Bazar area at around 12:15am. He stated that despite clarifying his stance on the graffiti, a certain quarter is intentionally attempting to create instability in the city.
The mayor further announced that new aesthetic graffiti would be painted by students from the art college to preserve the memories of the July Revolution. He added that he would provide financial assistance for this initiative with his personal funds if necessary.
In response to the prevailing situation and to ensure public safety, CMP Commissioner Hasan Md Shawkat Ali has prohibited all meetings, processions, and gatherings on the main road and surrounding areas from GEC Intersection to Dewanhat.
This ban is effective from 18 May until further notice. The CMP has warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating the restriction.
A tense atmosphere prevailed in the Tigerpass and surrounding areas on Monday morning. Police patrolling has been intensified at various important intersections across the city.
