BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called on Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam to resign from all responsibilities of the interim government.
He said: "In a democratic manner, adhering to political etiquette and for logical reasons, I am urging advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam to resign from all responsibilities of the interim government. It is evident that you are affiliated with a political party and may be directly involved in the future.
"It is also quite clear that you intend to contest in the upcoming election. So is it unreasonable to demand your resignation? Or would that not be the right move to put an end to the political controversy surrounding you?"
The BNP leader added: "Follow the precedent set by your [former] colleague Nahid Islam. He could have continued as a minister for a few more days and then joined the NCP. There was a time when Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah could have also taken ministerial posts if they had strongly demanded it.
"But they chose a path committed to politics. One day, if they form a government through the people’s mandate, they may once again hold full ministerial responsibilities, power, and honor."
He continued: "If you resign, it will enhance the image of neutrality for the current government. I still believe that if you directly engage in politics and gain experience through party and organizational activities, you will be able to serve the country and its people better. But if you cling to power, you will inevitably have to provide special privileges to your party members. You lack both the capacity and the possibility of being fully neutral in such a scenario — no one can. You will bear the brunt, while others reap the benefits.
"Now you will probably say or think that I am preaching ethics after allegedly supporting illegal protests for days in pursuit of becoming mayor out of greed for power and causing public inconvenience. Have I not faced enough criticism for doing so? But I had no other option. It was necessary for the country to make people understand that you were being misguided.
"And till now, the efforts to block me have been a joint decision — any politically aware person understands that. But I will say it was their flawed policy, and you, Asif Bhuyain, were used. If we cannot accept the rule of law and the court’s decisions, where will the reformation of the country begin? Criticize me all you want after that, and see what I actually do. Now I must complete the full process."
Ishraque also added: "The same old arrangements are being followed. In fact, it is being made even stronger. There is no chance of backing away from the demand for your resignation. Why do you still want to stay?"
Meanwhile, Ishraque's supporters on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to the authorities to arrange the BNP leader's swearing in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
Additionally, five employee unions of DSCC warned that all citizen services, including waste removal, will be completely shut down.
Thousands have been demonstrating under the banner "Amra Dhakabashi" since May 14, blocking the city corporation building and demanding that Ishraque be appointed as mayor.
Most of the organization's employees have also joined the protest.
A verdict on a related writ petition filed in court is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
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