Chittagong: Opposition BNP-backed candidate Manjur Alam was Friday unofficially declared Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation, a stronghold of ruling Awami League.

Returning Officer Jesmin Tuli made the announcement of Manjur’s victory at about 10:30am.

Manjur defeated the ruling Awami League-backed three-time elected Mayor ABM Mohiuddin Chowdhury by 95,528 votes. Manjur bagged 4,79,145 votes while his arch-rival Mohiuddin polled 3,83,617 votes.

Earlier at about 6am, Chattagram Unnayan Andolan candidate Manjur came to the Election Information Centre. Assuming about his victory, he told the journalists that he would not bring out any victory procession rather to hold a doa mahfil.

Central BNP leader and Standing Committee member Abdullah Al Noman told banglanews24.com.bd that the change has come as the Chittagonians wanted a change.  

He also hopeful that the previous city father would accept the poll results.

The unofficially elected Mayor and thousands of his supporters are now waiting for the formal announcement from the government.

In a prompt reaction, Manjur said, “I respect Mohiuddin as my elder brother, I want to work with him, and I think the present government will help me to continue the development work of Chittagong.”  

Some 54 percent of the total 16,88,676 voters cast their votes on Thursday’s election to elect the mayor, 41 councilors and 14 women councilors (reserved).

Bangladesh through the CCC polls introduced digital voting system on a limited scale for the first time using Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

BDST:07015 HRS, June 18, 2010
MMA/AK/LY