The BNP politician said the administration took such a step to keep him away from the upcoming city corporation election

File photo of Sylhet City Corporation mayor Ariful Haque ChowdhuryMahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Ansar members in charge of ensuring the security of the residence and office of Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Mayor Ariful Haque Choudhury have been withdrawn.

They were withdrawn following an order from the district Ansar commander at 10pm on Tuesday.

The mayor said the Ansar members were withdrawn at night without any verbal or written notice, claiming that the decision was a veiled threat.

The BNP politician also said the administration took such a step to keep him away from the upcoming city corporation election. 

He said he is worried about his and his family's safety in this situation.

Since there are no police officers allocated for the mayor's personal security, as per a decision of the city corporation council, 10 Ansar members were on duty for the mayor's security for the last seven years.

A fixed fee was paid every month for this.

Local and central leaders of the BNP rushed to the mayor's residence at night after receiving the news.

On the other hand, the district Ansar commander said that the unauthorized security arrangements have been removed as per the rules.