AL, BNP candidates promise to keep holding taxes down

Both BNP and AL-nominated mayoral candidates of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) polls focused on issues relating to holding taxes while campaigning yesterday, pledging to keep the tax rate at a tolerable level so residents do not suffer. 

BNP candidate Shahadat Hossain conducted his campaign in areas of the city's Halishahar. He started at Dakkhin Madhyam Halishahar after Juma prayers, with a large number of leaders and activists of BNP and its associate organisations accompanying him.

During his campaign, he pledged to keep holding tax rate at a tolerable level, if elected.

Shahadat also pledged to provide readymade garment workers and their families with treatment facilities and drinking water for free, and make housing cheaper. A huge number of garment workers reside in the area.

He then went to campaign at Uttar Madhyam Halishahar, where he assured residents that holding tax rate will not be increased, if he is elected mayor.

Shahadat also said he will keep interests of tenants in mind. Some 60 per cent of port city residents are tenants, and he will defend their interests, he said, adding, "If I'm elected, I'll form a master-plan to develop the city."

He further said he will take initiatives to address waterlogging, if elected.

Meanwhile, AL candidate Rezaul Karim Chowdhury also made the same pledge regarding holding tax.

In Addition to that, Rezaul said he would transform Chattogram city into a world-class and environment-friendly city by taking suggestion from all stakeholders, if elected.

He campaigned at Uttar Pathantuli, Pathantuli and Pashchim Madarbari, starting after Jumma prayers.

During campaigning, he remarked that AL does not merely talk, rather the party proves its worthiness through work. "Candidates may pledge for many things to attract voters, but AL does what it pledges," he said.

He urged voters to choose him for continuing ongoing development works of the city.

Contacted, Amir Uddin, general secretary of Chattagram Kordata Surokkha Parishad, a platform to protect taxpayers of port city, welcomed the pledges.

"We organised movements to keep holding tax bearable, and so we appreciate the pledges. At the same time, we want them to explain their pledges in detail."

"The system of realising holding tax on the basis of house-rent should be abolished," he said.

BNP LODGES COMPLAINTS AGAINST AL

Meanwhile, Shahadat lodged complaints with Election Commission (EC) over AL leaders' "violating" electoral code of conduct.

"I've lodged complaints with the returning officer on Thursday, urging him to take action against violations of electoral code of conduct by AL candidate," Shahadat told The Daily Star.

"Lawmakers were made convener and co-convener of AL candidate's election committee. The incumbent mayor was made member secretary, but EC has not taken any action regarding this," he said.

Contacted, Munir Hossain Khan, Chattogram district election officer and assistant returning officer of CCC polls, said they received the complaints and were looking into them.

In response, AL lawmaker from Chattogram-8 constituency, Moslem Uddin Ahmed, who is also co-convener of Rezaul's election management committee, said they were only doing work which does not violate the code of conduct.

"We do politics, and so, we must get involved in organisational activities of the party. We're not going to residents to seek their votes; hence, we're not violating any rules."