Dhaka, Jun 02 (V7N) – The Appellate Division has ruled that the matter of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain’s oath-taking as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) falls entirely under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission (EC). A copy of the court’s verdict was officially sent to the EC on Sunday.

The four-member bench, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, made it clear that the court will not interfere in the matter of administering the oath, leaving the final decision up to the Election Commission.

In response, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed stated, “We have received the verdict and will review it thoroughly. A decision regarding Ishraq Hossain’s oath will be taken based on the court’s direction.”

Protests Continue at Nagar Bhaban

Meanwhile, supporters of Ishraq Hossain have intensified their ongoing protest at Nagar Bhaban, the DSCC headquarters. Demonstrators locked the main gates and several civic service offices, effectively halting public services in the area.

The sit-in began on May 14 and has entered its third week. Protesters are demanding that Ishraq Hossain be immediately sworn in as the rightful mayor.

Background

Ishraq Hossain, a BNP-backed candidate, has been at the center of a legal and administrative dispute regarding his right to assume office as the elected mayor of DSCC. The Election Commission had earlier raised procedural questions, delaying his oath-taking, which led to legal battles and mass demonstrations.

With the court now transferring full responsibility to the EC, public attention has shifted to the Commission’s next move, as protests continue to paralyze civic life in southern Dhaka.

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