Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain presented the budgets at an event held at the Theatre Institute auditorium in the city on Monday afternoon.

Speaking at the event, the mayor said he inherited a Tk 600 crore debt when taking office. “This is my first budget as mayor but the fifth budget of the sixth CCC board.”

He said, “Despite our limited resources, I want to assure the city residents that I will continue my relentless efforts for the welfare and comfort of people, with their cooperation and support.”

According to the mayor, when he assumed office on November 3, 2024, CCC’s outstanding debt stood at Tk 596 crore. Through gradual repayments, total liabilities have now reduced to Tk 400 crore.

He also highlighted that for the first time the CCC successfully collected Tk 140 crore in municipal tax from the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

In addition, the CCC has cleared Tk 65.76 crore from development assistance funds and nearly Tk 60 crore received from the World Bank as Covid-19 aid.

Other payments include Tk 34.46 crore in income tax, Tk 38.16 crore in VAT, Tk 19.18 crore in gratuity funds, and Tk 27.86 crore towards employee provident funds.

The mayor also mentioned that monthly allowances of Tk 50,000 each are being distributed to 400 people on a regular basis.

“Automation of the budget and accounting system has begun with JICA’s support,” Shahadat added. “We expect to bring the entire accounts department under automation within the next fiscal year, which will significantly increase revenue collection and make CCC financially self-reliant.”

Currently, there are 214,673 holdings and 126,834 trade licenses under CCC’s jurisdiction. Tax and license management systems have been digitized, while eight review boards are conducting public hearings,

the mayor informed.