Dhaka, Mar 27 (V7N) – The Election Tribunal has declared BNP candidate Engineer Ishraq Hossain the winner of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election held on February 1, 2020, following a legal battle over allegations of vote rigging and irregularities.

Dhaka’s First Joint District Judge, Md. Nurul Islam, who presided over the Election Tribunal, announced the verdict on Thursday. Ishraq Hossain was present in court during the ruling.

Ishraq’s lawyer, Rafiqul Islam, stated that the court ruled in favor of his client after finding evidence of election irregularities. The court’s decision overturned the previous results that had declared Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh of the Awami League as the elected mayor.

Speaking to reporters after the verdict, Ishraq Hossain said he would only assume office if his party, BNP, grants approval. "This is a party decision. If BNP decides, I will take the oath as mayor," he stated.

The 2020 Dhaka North and South City Corporation elections saw Awami League candidates winning the mayoral positions in both cities. Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the mayor of Dhaka South, while Atiqul Islam won in Dhaka North. However, BNP rejected the results, alleging massive vote rigging and irregularities.

Following the election, BNP candidates Ishraq Hossain and Tabith Awal held a press conference, demanding a re-election and presenting evidence of irregularities to foreign diplomats stationed in Bangladesh. Ishraq subsequently filed a case challenging the results, which led to this historic verdict.

With the court’s decision in his favor, the next steps depend on the Election Commission and the government’s response. It remains to be seen whether an appeal will be filed against the ruling or if Ishraq Hossain will officially assume the mayoral position.

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