NCP accuses Ctg mayor of ‘lying’ over July graffiti erasure

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Chattogram have accused Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain of “lying” over the erasure of July uprising graffiti from pillars of the elevated expressway, alleging that the artwork was erased to make way for advertisements.

The allegations came at a press conference held at the Sholoshahar Station area around 4:30pm today amid growing tension over the issue.

Chattogram City NCP Member Secretary Arif Moinuddin said that if there had been a plan to repaint the pillars with new graffiti, stickers calling for advertisements would not have been placed there.

“The mayor wanted to lease out the pillars for advertisements. Now, after people supporting the July uprising raised concerns, he is under pressure and making false claims,” Arif said.

He further alleged that when NCP leaders met the port city mayor over the issue, he said the graffiti would not remain on the pillars and that alternative spaces would be arranged.

“If he had said then that new graffiti would be painted on the same pillars, the current situation would not have arisen,” he added.

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Chattogram City NCP Convener Mir Mohammad Shoaib alleged that under the guise of beautification, the mayor has been shrinking public spaces across the city.

“He wanted to erase the graffiti and rent out the spaces commercially. People’s breathing spaces and walking spaces are also being reduced,” Shoaib said.

“The mayor is turning every vacant space into commercial establishments. Commercial activities at Biplob Udyan have expanded, reducing space for people to walk. He is a failed mayor and should consider stepping down,” Arif remarked.

Earlier in the day, around 2:00pm, a scuffle reportedly broke out between students and police while attempts were being made to paint graffiti at Tiger Pass intersection. On Sunday night, clashes also took place between BNP and NCP activists in the same area over graffiti-related issues.

Amid the tension, NCP announced a programme to paint graffiti in different parts of the port city, including Tiger Pass, from 8:00pm today and throughout tomorrow.

Meanwhile, CCC Mayor Dr Shahadat denied ordering the erasure of any graffiti associated with the July uprising.

In a statement sent to the media today amid the controversy, he said no instructions had been given to erase any graffiti carrying memories of the movement.