Dhaka, June 15 (V7N) — Supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain staged a protest rally in front of Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) Nagar Bhaban on Sunday, demanding that Ishraq be sworn in as mayor. Addressing the gathering, Ishraq called on the Chief Adviser of the interim government to take responsibility for resolving the ongoing crisis.

During the program, Ishraq criticized the delay in the oath-taking process, blaming Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan for his alleged “apolitical behavior,” which he claimed was obstructing the process.

“This movement will continue uninterrupted,” Ishraq declared, adding, “From now on, Nagar Bhaban will remain under our supervision. No official will be allowed to work here except for daily service activities.”

Earlier, on June 3, Ishraq had announced a temporary pause in the movement out of respect for Eid-ul-Azha. However, with the festival over, the protests have resumed in full force.

The controversy dates back to the last Dhaka South City Corporation election held on February 1, 2020. Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the winner by a margin of 2.5 million votes. Ishraq, however, challenged the results in court, alleging widespread irregularities and corruption during the polls.

On March 27 this year, the Dhaka Election Tribunal ruled in Ishraq’s favor, annulling the previous results and declaring him the elected mayor. Subsequently, on April 27, the Election Commission published a gazette formally recognizing Ishraq Hossain as the DSCC mayor. Despite this, the oath-taking ceremony has yet to be arranged, prompting renewed protests from BNP supporters.

Ishraq urged the government to ensure the oath-taking is held without further delay to resolve the political deadlock.

END/MSS/AJ