Police obstruct long march by Ishraque Hossain’s supporters

Police have stopped supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from continuing a long march towards the Secretariat demanding that he be given the role of Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

The long march began around 11:30am on Saturday (May 17) in front of the DSCC building.

The procession moved through Gulistan Mazar, Zero Point, and Paltan, heading towards the Secretariat via the Press Club. However, police blocked them on the way. After facing resistance, the marchers returned to Nagar Bhaban.

The protesters chanted slogans such as: “No delay in swearing-in,” “We want Ishraque Hossain’s oath immediately,” and “Ishraque Bhai is the people's mayor, no other mayor is accepted.”

Ishraque’s supporters had earlier announced a long march from Nagar Bhaban to the Secretariat. As part of that plan, they blockaded the Nagar Bhaban in the morning and held protests and a sit-in for the third consecutive day. Later, they began the long march from the Nagar Bhaban.

On the same day, regular employees also joined the protest and locked all gates of the building. As a result, the DSCC headquarters came to a standstill. No service seekers or officials could enter the premises.

Protesters alleged that even after the court ruling and the publication of the Election Commission’s gazette, Ishraque Hossain is still not being allowed to take his oath.