Ishraque’s Supporters Block Nagar Bhaban, Demand Mayoral Swearing-In

Activists and supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain have blocked the Nagar Bhaban to demand that he be sworn in as Dhaka South City Corporation mayor.

The blockade programme began at 11:15am on Monday.

The protesters took up positions outside the Nagar Bhaban gates and set up a temporary stage. The stage has since been used for musical performances.

Megaphones have been set up from the Nagar Bhaban to the Zero Point area and are repeating slogans. Small processions are being conducted.

The protesters are chanting slogans in support of Ishraque and in opposition to Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain. Effigies of the advisor could also be seen among the crowd.

Ishraque’s supporters have also blocked one side of the road in front of the Golap Shah Shrine in Gulistan, leading to difficulties for commuters.

They have also taken up positions on two other roads near the Nagar Bhaban. Despite a sudden shower starting at 12:10pm, the protesters did not move.

Jubo Dal activist Delowar Hossain from Dhaka’s Jatrabari said, “Ishraque Bhai is the mayor of the people. He must be sworn in as the mayor without delay. We will not leave the streets until it is done. No excuses will be tolerated.”

Former senior secretary Md Moshiur Rahman had announced the blockade programme in front of the Nagar Bhaban on Sunday.

On Sunday, the Local Government Division said it is waiting until the High Court rules on a pending petition to declare Ishraque as mayor.

It also urged his supporters to avoid causing “public suffering” through protests, warning it could amount to contempt of court.

The call came on day five of demonstrations demanding Ishraque be given mayoral duties.

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 the oath.

Protests began on Wednesday, paralysing operations at the city corporation.

Demonstrators occupied the area again on Sunday and called a “blockade” for Monday.