Ishraque's supporters to continue sit-in demanding resignation of advisers Asif, Mahfuj despite HC order on oath

Despite today's (22 May) court verdict clearing the final legal hurdle for Ishraque Hossain's swearing-in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, BNP leaders and activists have vowed to continue their street movement until he officially assumes office and Adviser Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam resign.

Following the court's decision in favour of Ishraque, jubilant BNP supporters took to the streets in celebration. Processions were held in Kakarail, Motsya Bhaban, Gulistan, Paltan, Mugda, Jatrabari and other parts of the capital.

"We only demanded justice, and the court has finally ruled in favour of the truth. There are no more obstacles - now Ishraque bhai will take charge as mayor. This is a victory for democracy," said Khademur Rahman, former vice-president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's Wari unit.

Hasibul, a Jubo Dal leader, added, "We held our sit-in in front of Nagar Bhaban for eight consecutive days in a peaceful manner. Today, we are witnessing the outcome of that struggle. This verdict validates the legitimacy of our demands. But we will not leave until all of our demands are met."

Many supporters had spent nights at Kakarail intersection, maintaining a constant presence near the residence of the chief adviser. 

"We didn't go home at night. We sat here, chanting slogans. Now it feels like all our hardships have been worth it. This verdict is a win for our hopes," said BNP activist Monira Akter.

BNP leader Abdus Salam also welcomed the verdict, saying, "The government deliberately obstructed Ishraque's oath-taking for a long time. Today the court said there is no legal barrier anymore. We want the responsibilities to be handed over to him without further delay."

The demonstrators stated they will continue their sit-in until Ishraque Hossain formally takes over as mayor of Dhaka South.

Yesterday evening (21 May), thousands of BNP leaders and activists, led by Ishraque, began their sit-in on the road adjacent to 'Jamuna', the official residence of the chief adviser. The protest caused a major disruption to traffic on the Matsya Bhaban intersection, Kakrail, and Circuit House Road — effectively isolating the area.

Protests intensified after sundown yesterday, as thousands gathered at Kakrail intersection. 

Ishraque himself led the protest march and declared, "We will not leave Jamuna until our demands are met."

Law enforcement agencies have deployed several hundred personnel around the Jamuna residence to ensure security and are closely monitoring the situation.

In the 1 February 2020 Dhaka South election, Awami League's Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh defeated BNP's Ishraque Hossain by a margin of nearly 200,000 votes. However, on 27 March this year, Election Tribunal Judge Md Nurul Islam annulled the previous result and declared Ishraque the rightful mayor.

Following the court ruling, the Election Commission sought legal advice from the law ministry on 22 April regarding the publication of a gazette notification. 

On 27 April, the EC officially declared Ishraque as the new mayor. BNP leaders say they have taken to the streets to ensure the implementation of this declaration.