Nagar Bhaban locked for ninth day amid ongoing protests

Operations at Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), remained suspended for the ninth consecutive day as the building stayed locked this morning.

DSCC officials reported arriving at work only to find the gates still closed, forcing them to return home.

“Like the past few days, Nagar Bhaban remains under lock and key today. As a result, all regular operations are suspended,” said Russell Rahman, public relations officer of the DSCC, speaking to The Daily Star.

Earlier in the day, DSCC employees from various departments and supporters of mayoral candidate Ishraque Hossain staged a protest on the premises, demanding his immediate swearing-in as mayor.

Arif Chowdhury, president of the DSCC Workers' Union, confirmed that all citizen services at the main office have been suspended since May 17, with no resolution in sight.

The demonstrations began on May 14 and have intensified over the past week.

The Local Government Division office, also located inside Nagar Bhaban, has remained closed since May 15. Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has reportedly been unable to attend his office since then.