Hearing on Ishraque's swearing-in as Dhaka South mayor scheduled for tomorrow: SC

The Chamber Court of the Appellate Division will hear an appeal tomorrow (28 May) that challenges the High Court's dismissal of a writ petition seeking to block BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from taking oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Justice Md Rezaul Haque of the Chamber Court passed the order today (27 May), according to court sources.

The hearing will be held before the chamber court headed by the chief justice.

Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon represented Ishraque in court, while Advocate Mohammad Hossain argued in favour of the appeal.

Earlier, on 22 May, the HC summarily dismissed the writ petition filed against Ishraq's oath-taking. The writ had been filed by Dhaka South resident Md Mamunur Rashid, represented by lawyer Kazi Akbar Ali.

On 25 May, Ishraque himself filed a fresh writ petition, requesting to be sworn in as mayor. Additionally, yesterday, a petition for leave to appeal was submitted to the Appellate Division on behalf of a citizen, challenging the HC ruling.

The dispute centres on the 1 February 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation election, in which Awami League's Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the winner amid allegations of electoral irregularities.

In March that year, Ishraque challenged the result in court. On 27 March 2024, the First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal in Dhaka ruled in his favour, declaring him the elected mayor and nullifying the previous result.

Following the verdict, the Election Commission issued a gazette on 27 April declaring Ishraque as mayor.

However, on 14 May, a writ was filed in the HC to block Ishraqe from taking oath and to initiate disciplinary action against the tribunal judge. When the writ was rejected, an appeal was promptly filed.

Since 15 May, Ishraque's supporters have continued protests at Nagar Bhaban, demanding that he be administered the oath of office and handed charge.