Ishraque calls emergency press conference this evening

Amid ongoing protests demanding that Ishraque Hossain be given charge as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Ishraq—also a member of the BNP’s International Affairs Committee—has called an emergency press conference today, Saturday, at 6:30pm. In a message sent to journalists, it was stated that he will address the current situation at the Abdus Salam Hall of the National Press Club.

Earlier in the day, supporters of Ishraque locked all entrances and elevators of Nagar Bhaban (City Hall), disrupting all activities of the DSCC and the Ministry of Local Government located there. This marked the third consecutive day of blockade, protests, and sit-ins.

Supporters of Ishraque are holding the protests under the banner of 'Dhakabashi' (People of Dhaka). They claimed to have locked 65 places inside Nagar Bhaban. DSCC officials said that the office’s activities have been paralyzed since Thursday.

At 11:30am today, a “long march” towards the Secretariat began from the front of Nagar Bhaban. Marchers passed Gulistan Mazar, Zero Point, and Paltan before heading towards the Press Club and Secretariat. However, the police blocked them before they could reach the Secretariat. The protesters then returned to Nagar Bhaban and continued their sit-in. Protesters chanted slogans such as: “Ishraque Bhai is the People’s Mayor,” “We want the oath immediately,” and “Break Asif’s black hand.”

Leader of the Dhakabashi platform and former senior secretary Moshiur Rahman issued a warning, saying that adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib and Secretary Rezaul Maksud Jahedi would be resisted wherever they are found. He also announced that the protest would continue tomorrow.

Even the general staff of Nagar Bhaban have expressed solidarity with the protest. From morning, they kept the gates closed and joined the sit-in. As a result, no officials, employees, or service seekers could enter the building.

Protesters alleged that despite the court's verdict and the publication of the Election Commission's gazette, Ishraque is still not being allowed to take his oath, which they see as disrespectful to the people's mandate.

Ordinary citizens have also joined the protest. Nasrin Akhter, who came from Jatrabari, said, “Not allowing the oath even after the gazette is illegal and unjust.” Ariful Islam from Sutrapur added, “Without a mayor, mosquito infestations and garbage problems have increased. People are suffering.” Fazlul Haque from Bangshal said, “Ishraq, who won by public vote, should be given charge immediately.”

Dhaka’s First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal declared Ishraque Hossain the Mayor of DSCC on March 27, . On April 22, the Election Commission (EC) sought the opinion of the Ministry of Law. On April 27, the EC published the official gazette. Later, legal advisor Asif Nazrul claimed the gazette was published before the ministry’s opinion. On May 5, the Local Government Division informed the EC that they were considering filing an appeal in the higher court. However, on May 13, the EC announced that they would not appeal.

In light of this ongoing situation, Ishraq Hossain is expected to announce his next steps during this evening’s press conference.