EC will decide whether Ishraque will be sworn in as Dhaka South mayor: Appellate Division
During this time, the CJ questioned how the EC which was formed after the July uprising broke their promises
The Appellate Division in an order today (29 May) said it is up to the Election Commission to decide whether BNP leader Ishraque Hossain will be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
A seven-member full bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed gave the order after disposing of a leave to appeal request and making an observation.
During the hearing, the full bench of the Appellate Division disposed of a leave to appeal request by a petitioner who had sought a stay order on the HC verdict rejecting a writ seeking a stay order on the gazette published by the EC declaring Ishraque as Dhaka South mayor and asking for directives to keep Ishraque from swearing in.
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In their observation, the CJ said, "The role of the EC on the issue of Ishraque's swearing in is worrisome."
During this time, the CJ questioned how the EC which was formed after the July uprising broke their promises.
The controversy over Ishraque's mayoral oath stems from the Dhaka South election held on 1 February 2020, where Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh of the Awami League was declared the winner amid allegations of irregularities.
Ishraque challenged the results in court, and on 27 March this year, Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal declared Ishraque the mayor, nullifying the earlier result.
The Election Commission published a gazette declaring Ishraque mayor on 27 April.
However, on 14 May, a writ petition was filed by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mamunur Rashid seeking to block Ishraque's oath-taking.
The Local Government Ministry postponed the swearing-in, citing legal complications.
Supporters of Ishraque, son of late Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, are continuing their protest at Nagar Bhaban today, appeared steadfast in their demands, saying they would not leave until he takes charge of Dhaka South.
The ongoing movement is being led by supporters of the opposition BNP, who claim their mandate has been deliberately ignored for years. Despite assurances from officials, protesters say they will not leave the streets until Ishraque formally assumes office.
