Rival claims cloud Chattogram mayoral contest

Bangla Press Desk:  Speculation over the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) mayoral race has intensified amid conflicting claims about whether former mayor Mohammad Manjur Alam will contest in the election under the National Citizen Party (NCP) banner.

While NCP leaders in Chattogram say he has agreed in principle to run as their mayoral candidate, Manjur himself insists he has made no decision and is not currently engaged in electoral planning.

The former BNP leader said he has “not thought anything yet” about the election, adding that he remains occupied with social activities and public engagements.

However, NCP city unit leaders maintain that Manjur has agreed to contest on their ticket, though he would not formally join the party.

They also acknowledge internal differences over his nomination, which has yet to be finalised.

The speculation gained momentum after NCP leader and Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah visited Manjur’s residence in Chattogram on Tuesday night, triggering political chatter across media and social platforms about a possible comeback.

Manjur, who was BNP-backed mayoral candidate in 2010 and later boycotted the 2015 polls alleging rigging, has had a politically fluid trajectory.

He announced retirement from politics at that time but later expressed interest in re-entering public life, including attempts to secure nominations in subsequent elections.

In 2024, after being denied party backing, he contested as an independent candidate.

He has also maintained a strong profile in social welfare activities, claiming to have established more than 120 educational and religious institutions, including schools, colleges, mosques, and madrasas.

Responding to the renewed speculation, Manjur dismissed reports linking him to the NCP candidacy, saying he learned of the claims through newspapers and had not communicated any intent to contest.

“I am sitting at home. People are coming to me,” he said, adding that visits from different political figures and citizens have fuelled misinterpretations of his intentions.

NCP leader Arif Moinuddin, however, said discussions are ongoing within the party and its allies, including the Jamaat-e-Islami, over potential candidates.

He added that differences remain within the party regarding Manjur’s nomination and broader political implications.