Ishraque supporters blame advisor as Nagar Bhaban lockdown enters 13th day

The ongoing protest demanding Ishraque's installation as Dhaka South mayor has brought administrative services to a halt.

The protest by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) employees union demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be handed the mayoral duties has entered its 13th day.

Due to the protests, most DSCC activities have effectively come to a halt, severely disrupting civic services.

Supporters of Ishraque have blamed Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain for the public suffering caused by the administrative standstill.

On Monday, the sit-in continued in front of Nagar Bhaban. Md Belayet Hossain, general secretary of the DSCC Workers and Employees Union, said: "Despite two separate court rulings in his favour, Ishraque has not been allowed to take his oath. The local government ministry’s advisor is acting arbitrarily, preventing him from being sworn in. He is the one responsible for the people’s suffering."

The gates of Nagar Bhaban were locked, with Ishraque’s supporters holding their ground inside under the banners of the DSCC workers union and "Dhakabashi" (residents of Dhaka). Protesters also held processions inside the compound.

Chants such as “No office without the mayor” and “No more delay in the oath” echoed throughout the protests.

The sit-in began on May 14 led by Ishraque supporters and BNP activists.

Ishraque lost the DSCC election on Feb 1, 2020, to Awami League’s Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh by nearly 200,000 votes.

But on Mar 27 this year, Judge Md Nurul Islam of the Dhaka Election Tribunal overturned the result and declared Ishraque mayor.

The Election Commission (EC) issued a gazette on Apr 27 naming him mayor, but he has yet to take his oath of office.

Amid the legal tug-of-war, Ishraque's supporters began their protest, demanding that he be handed over the mayoral responsibilities. Since then, administrative activities at DSCC have come to a near standstill.

Citing legal complications, the local government ministry has refrained from arranging Ishraque’s oath ceremony.

Frustrated by the delay, Ishraque posted on Facebook, calling for the resignation of advisors Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam. His supporters echoed the demand.

On Thursday, after the High Court rejected a writ petition seeking to stop Ishraque’s swearing-in, the BNP leader suspended the protest for 24 to 48 hours, giving the local government ministry time to act.

After the deadline passed without any move from the ministry, Ishraque’s supporters resumed their sit-in at Nagar Bhaban on Saturday.