Ishraque supporters continue sit-in at Nagar Bhaban

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain remain stationed at Nagar Bhaban, demanding that Ishraque be appointed as the city’s mayor. Alongside DSCC employees, Ishraque’s followers have gathered at the city hall under the banner “Dhakabashi” (People of Dhaka).

Since the morning of Wednesday, June 15, Ishraque’s supporters have been holding a sit-in protest at the DSCC headquarters. Around 1 PM, Ishraque Hossain himself entered the city hall amid the ongoing demonstration.

For several days, Ishraque has been leading a movement aimed at resuming stalled citizen services and announced that he will oversee DSCC operations until normalcy is restored.

“We have begun continuous meetings with employees from various departments to expedite the city’s mosquito control program and ensure it runs smoothly,” Ishraque said.

Background: The DSCC election was held on February 1, 2020, with Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh declared the winner. Ishraque filed a case on March 3, 2020, challenging the results, citing allegations of election irregularities and corruption.

Following a student-led uprising that led to the fall of the Awami League government, on March 27, the Dhaka election tribunal annulled the previous election results and declared Ishraque — son of former undivided Dhaka mayor Sadek Hossain Khoka — as the rightful mayor.

The Election Commission officially gazetted Ishraque as mayor on April 27. However, a writ petition was filed on May 14 in the High Court to prevent his oath-taking. Since May 15, Ishraque's supporters have been protesting to have him officially handed the mayoral responsibilities. Their movement effectively paralyzed the DSCC headquarters.

Despite this, citing ongoing legal issues, the Ministry of Local Government has refrained from administering Ishraque's oath. After multiple hearings, the High Court bench dismissed the writ petition, clearing the way for Ishraque's formal appointment.