Ishraque blames Adviser Asif for ‘Nagar Bhaban attack’

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has accused Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain of "orchestrating the attack" on his supporters inside Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday. 

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club in the capital today, Ishraque alleged that the incident was carried out with the involvement of corrupt officials close to the adviser, some of whom, despite claiming BNP affiliations, had served as close allies of former Awami League-backed mayors.

"I am saying clearly, it was under Asif's direction that Tuesday's attack was carried out. But I am not presenting evidence or an explanation – I ask law enforcement to find out who is responsible," he said.

Adviser Asif Mahmud recently said Ishraque cannot be sworn-in as the tenure of Dhaka South City Corporation mayor has ended.

Ishraque claimed that individuals with links to both political and administrative power had planned to provoke violence to discredit the movement.

"A notorious figure named Golam Kibria led the assault and had even plotted to murder me and others during the chaos," he alleged.

Kibria, executive engineer of the Dhaka South City Corporation, told TBS, "I am in no way involved with the clash. I have been with the BNP for 31 years and have suffered various forms of neglect and oppression during the past Awami League government's tenure."

Regarding Asif's comment that Ishraque was "misguided," the BNP leader said, "This is an arrogant statement, demeaning to me and to the people who protested."

Responding to the adviser's claim that Ishraque had rejected an offer to become administrator "arrogantly," he said he did so with dignity, because it was inappropriate to offer such a post to a validly elected public representative. 

"I never intended to take charge of the city under this interim government," he stated, adding that the court verdict removing the former mayor should be viewed as a legal and moral victory.

The BNP leader also condemned Asif's remarks that some negotiations had taken place without Ishraque's full authority. "If negotiations took place outside that framework, then Asif must reveal who conducted them."

The BNP leader accused Asif of contempt of court, saying that the adviser had dismissed the legitimacy of court-backed elections and rulings.

"The movement was not against public interest. On my request, workers lifted the strike on 23 June to resume essential services. But the adviser and secretary then directed regional offices not to issue birth, death, citizen or inheritance certificates," he added. 

He warned that if retaliatory action is taken against those who participated in the movement, it would not remain confined to Nagar Bhaban but spill onto the streets.