Ishraque’s supporters continue demo demanding swift oath as mayor

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain are continuing their demonstrations outside the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters for a second consecutive day, demanding that he be sworn in as the city mayor.

The leaders and activists of the BNP and its associated organisations began their protest in front of the Nagar Bhaban, central office of the DSCC located in the capital's Gulistan, in the morning and were seen chanting slogans in favour of their demand.

According to the demonstrators, Ishraque has yet to be given the responsibilities of the south city corporation mayor despite a court verdict and a gazette notification issued from the Election Commission.

Photo: Firoz Ahmed

They warned that unless swift action is taken, their agitation will intensify in the coming days. Meanwhile, vehicular movement in the area has been disrupted due to the demonstration.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, a protester named Shah Alam said, "If the government continues to delay Ishraque Hossain's swearing-in, the public will take matters into their own hands. We will conduct the oath ceremony ourselves and entrust him with the mayoral responsibilities."

On March 27, Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal declared Ishraque as the rightful mayor of the DSCC. He is a member of the BNP's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Following the court verdict, the Election Commission published a gazette on April 27, officially declaring the BNP leader as the mayor.