Ishraque is irreplaceable for resolving crisis: DSCC residents

The last mayor of the undivided Dhaka City Corporation was the renowned freedom fighter and senior BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka. After leaving left-wing politics in the 1980s and joining the BNP, he became a key figure in national politics. His courageous leadership during the anti-Ershad movement, particularly as the convener of the Dhaka Metropolitan Struggle Committee, remains a significant chapter in history.

Notably, in 1990, following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in India, when communal tensions threatened to erupt in Bangladesh, it was under his firm leadership that potential attacks on the Hindu community in Old Dhaka were effectively prevented.

Inspired by his father’s ideals, Ishraque Hossain has also taken an active role in politics. Even during the BNP's most difficult times, he remained active on the streets and retained significant public support. In the most recent Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election, Ishraqe gained widespread popularity. However, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, the ruling Awami League’s candidate, was declared the winner and assumed the mayoral office.

The BNP alleged that although Ishraqe was leading, he lost due to electoral manipulation. Following the fall of the government, a court ruling declared Ishraq the legitimate mayor.

Despite this, Ishraqe has yet to be sworn in due to alleged administrative complications, igniting renewed political tensions. The BNP and Ishraque’s supporters claim that the delay is undemocratic and politically motivated.

Arif Chowdhury, president of the DSCC Workers' Union, said, “If elections were held again, Ishraque would win by a landslide. Preventing his swearing-in is a blatant affront to democracy. The city corporation is practically paralyzed without a mayor.”

Ziaul Haque Jewel, general secretary of the Power Employees’ Welfare Association, added, “Those obstructing Ishraqe from taking the oath despite the court’s ruling should learn from history—or risk being discarded into its dustbin.”

Abdul Latif, general secretary of the Scavengers and Workers’ Union, commented, “The South City Corporation is currently stagnant. For the sake of public service, Ishraque Hossain must be handed over the mayoral responsibilities without further delay.”

Public sentiment echoes the same view. According to a field investigation by Views Bangladesh, ordinary residents of South Dhaka overwhelmingly see Ishraqe as the only viable solution to the current crisis.

Shahadat Hossain, an employee at a private firm, said, “If Ishraqe takes office, many of South Dhaka’s problems will be solved. People's suffering will be eased.”

Businessman Raju Ahmed added, “Sadeque Hossain Khoka worked day and night for Dhaka’s development. If his son is given responsibility, the public’s hopes will certainly be fulfilled.”

Political analysts believe that if Ishraqe Hossain is not sworn in promptly, in accordance with the court’s ruling, the city corporation's functions will face further complications and public trust in the democratic process will erode.

Considering the court's decision and public support, it is clear that Ishraqe Hossain is now the legitimate mayor of South Dhaka—taking office is only a matter of time. And the longer the delay, the greater the public discontent, say residents of Dhaka South City Corporation.