Ishraque calls for resignation of Advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called for the resignation of advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam from all responsibilities within the interim government.

Ishraque made this appeal on Wednesday morning through a post on his verified Facebook page.

In his post, Ishraque Hossain stated, "In the spirit of democracy and adhering to political etiquette, I call for the resignation of Advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam from all roles in the interim government for logical reasons. It has become clear that both of you are politically involved, and there are indications that you may directly engage in politics in the future. It is also likely that you will contest elections. In light of this, is the demand for your resignation unreasonable? Or is this the right course of action to end the ongoing political debate surrounding your involvement?"

He continued, "Follow the example set by Nahid Islam. Had he wished, he could have served as a minister for a bit longer before joining the NCP. There was a time when leaders like Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah had strongly demanded ministerial positions and might have accepted them. However, they chose a career in politics. Perhaps one day, after being elected by the people, they will once again hold full ministerial responsibilities, power, and respect."

Ishraque added, "If you step down, it will only improve the image of the current government's neutrality. I believe that if you join active politics and gain experience by working in political parties and organizations, you will be able to contribute more effectively to the country and its people. However, if you hold onto power, you will inevitably have to offer special privileges to people within your own party. There is no real possibility of remaining entirely neutral in this scenario."

He further remarked, "Now, you might be thinking, ‘Is this the person who, driven by the desire for power, created public suffering by supporting protests day after day, presenting himself as virtuous while preaching to us?’ Haven't I faced criticism for the same? But I had no other choice. It was important for the public to understand that you are being misled, and this was necessary for the country's progress. To this day, efforts to obstruct my actions have been made by collective decisions that any politically aware person can understand. But I will say, this was a mistake on their part, and you, Asif Bhuiya, were manipulated. If you cannot accept the rule of law and judicial processes, how can the country’s reforms begin? Afterward, feel free to criticize all you want, but let's see what I do. Now, I must complete this process."

Ishraque concluded, "The current arrangement is simply following the previous pattern, and it is being further solidified. There is no room for you to deviate from the demand for your resignation. Why do you even want to stay?"

In related developments, Ishraque Hossain has been given a deadline of 10 a.m. on Wednesday by protesters, demanding that he take an oath of office as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). If he does not take the oath within the given time, there are threats of paralyzing Dhaka. Additionally, the five employee unions of DSCC have warned that they will stop all waste removal and civic services.

Since May 14, under the banner of "We the Dhaka Residents," hundreds of people have been staging protests by blocking the city corporation building, demanding Ishraque’s appointment as mayor. Many of the corporation’s employees have joined the protests. A ruling on a petition related to the matter is expected from the court today.