Oath is just a formality: Ishraque Hossain

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has dismissed the significance of taking an oath, calling it merely a formality in the wake of his recent election victory.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook account on Friday morning (May 23), Ishraque expressed his commitment to serving the people of Dhaka, regardless of the formalities surrounding his mayoral oath.

"I assure the people of Dhaka that, as the elected mayor, my responsibility to the city extends beyond ceremonial duties. Ahead of Eid al-Azha, I will ensure that adequate preparations for waste management are in place," Ishraque wrote. He added that he would work closely with sanitation workers and the administration in Dhaka South until his official swearing-in.

Ishraque also stated that he would implement a zone-based monitoring system to improve cleanliness in the area, involving former councilors and previous election candidates. He vowed to create a comfortable environment for the city within 16 hours, emphasizing his hands-on approach and presence with sanitation workers.

Ishraque's comments come after a court ruling on March 27 declared him the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation. The Election Commission (EC) subsequently issued a gazette notification on April 27, formalising his mayoral status. Despite this, his swearing-in was delayed as no further action was taken by the Ministry of Local Government. This delay sparked protests from BNP leaders and activists.

Legal challenges followed, with Supreme Court lawyer Md Mamunur Rashid filing a writ petition on May 13 to halt the verdict. However, the High Court dismissed the petition on Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for Ishraq's formal recognition.

Later in the day, Ishraq visited a BNP sit-in at Kakrail intersection, where he announced the suspension of the protest. "After hearing the High Court’s decision, our party has decided to suspend the sit-in for now. We will observe the government's actions in the next 24 to 48 hours and decide on further steps accordingly," he stated.