Mongla, August 12 (V7N) – A human chain was held at the municipal market square on Monday, where citizens from various walks of life gathered to demand the dismissal of Mongla Port Municipality’s Executive Engineer, S.M. Habibullah. The protest was organized in response to growing public frustration over alleged corruption, neglect of infrastructure development, and repeated accidents at unmaintained river crossings.

Speakers at the demonstration accused Habibullah of failing to construct essential ghats and barges under the municipality’s jurisdiction, hindering development efforts in multiple wards, and deliberately ignoring road repairs across the city. According to the protesters, these failures have led to frequent accidents and deterioration of public services.

They also alleged that during the previous municipal administration—described by speakers as a “fascist government”—no genuine development took place. Instead, large-scale embezzlement reportedly occurred under the guise of road renovation projects. Former mayor Sheikh Abdur Rahman and engineer Habibullah were accused of jointly misappropriating large sums of public funds. While the former mayor is currently absconding, protesters claimed that Habibullah continues to misuse his position.

“Any development project that happens in Mongla Port Municipality is done by municipal employees under the engineer’s direction—there’s no real work, just looting,” said one protester during the human chain.

Among those who addressed the gathering were former municipal councilor Md. Alauddin, Municipal BNP Organizing Secretary Md. Golam Nur Joni, Municipal Labor Party General Secretary Md. Moniruzzaman, and Ward 1 BNP President Md. Rafiqul Islam.

In response to the allegations, Executive Engineer S.M. Habibullah strongly denied any wrongdoing. “I have never been involved in any irregularities or corruption,” he said. “I don’t know who is behind this or what their intentions are, but this is clearly a propaganda campaign and a conspiracy against me.”

Despite his denial, the public unrest highlights mounting tension within the municipality over infrastructure failures and lack of accountability. Residents are demanding a formal investigation into the allegations and immediate administrative action.

As of now, no official comment has been made by the municipal authorities regarding the protest or the status of the executive engineer.

END/AHS/SMA.