BNP shutting down Nagar Bhaban to realise demands by force: Asif Mahmud

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Ministry Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has alleged that the BNP is carrying out a movement by shutting down Nagar Bhaban — the Dhaka South City Corporation building — with the intention of realising their demand by force.

In a Facebook post today, the adviser commented on the ongoing protest in front of Nagar Bhaban, where demonstrators are demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be given charge as DSCC mayor.

Supporters of Ishraque, under the banner of "Dhakabashi," have been staging demonstrations and sit-in programmes for six consecutive days.

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Protesters have also padlocked the main entrance of Nagar Bhaban. They allege that due to Adviser Asif Mahmud, Ishraque has not been able to take oath, despite a court verdict and the publication of a gazette notification by the Election Commission.

Supporters of Ishraque today announced they would continue their sit-in tomorrow from 10:00am to 5:00pm in front of Nagar Bhaban.

In his statement, Asif Mahmud cited ten complications behind Ishraque's not being sworn in as mayor, such as the election commission tribunal issuing a verdict "in violation of the High Court's ruling, which deemed the amendment of the petition illegal," and that "clearly, there [were] legal complications, including a controversial verdict, lack of directive towards the Local Government Division, pending legal notices, and a writ petition under trial."

"Until these issues are resolved, it is not possible to administer the oath. Instead of following the due process, BNP's city unit is conducting this movement by forcefully locking down Nagar Bhaban to achieve its objective," said the LGRD adviser.

"As a result, the daily activities of the city corporation have been disrupted and public suffering has increased," he added.

The adviser also said no one should claim that the movement is being done by ordinary citizens as, "directives from various BNP and affiliated groups—as well as intelligence reports—indicate that party activists are carrying out the programme."

Meanwhile, Ishraque Hossain posted on his verified Facebook page, saying that the ongoing movement for a mayoral post is not their main issue rather the main objective was to expose ugly truth of some individuals within the interim government.In the Facebook post, he said, "The mayor is not the issue at all. The main objective was to expose the ugly truth of the lust for power and the desire to make it permanent, hidden in the hearts of some individuals within the interim government.""I have borne much criticism, even tolerated vile abuse involving my parents, all in silence. For one reason only — to expose these people for the sake of democracy and the people's voting rights."

He also said by using their full force to try and block the BNP's mayoral candidate in Dhaka, they have made it crystal clear what role they intend to play in the upcoming national elections.

"No further discussion is acceptable — those who have not only abandoned neutrality but have acted as representatives of a particular party must resign immediately," he said.

They have, just like Hasina, threatened judges, challenged the Election Commission, interfered with the higher courts, and, along with Hasina's allies in the bureaucracy, are plotting long conspiracies. One day, their names and identities will be revealed.

"I told Hasina too — the grave is already prepared, and if Allah wills, that's where it will end, in sha Allah. The fight is not over. Either we will win our demands, or we will be laid to rest in the place destined by Allah. There will be no compromise with democracy, with the people's right to vote," Ishraque said.