Ishraque urges supporters to maintain decorum amid ongoing protests

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called upon his supporters to uphold respectful language and avoid personal attacks against political opponents during ongoing demonstrations demanding his swearing-in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

In a Facebook post today (20 May), Hossain addressed the protesters, stating, "I humbly urge the people and voters of Dhaka South City who are participating in the movement to strictly refrain from doing or saying anything disrespectful toward leaders of any political party, no matter how much anger you may feel - except for fascist Hasina and her accomplices."

"Let us engage in criticism, issue political statements, and point out their mistakes, but always maintain linguistic decorum," he wrote. 

He emphasised the importance of not regressing the nation's progress, asserting, "We have witnessed enough; we do not want to take the country backwards. We will certainly confront political opponents, thwart all conspiracies against the country, and take steps to restore our voting rights through a clear electoral roadmap."

"We will also engage in strong democratic movements demanding the resignation of the current controversial advisers," he added. 

Hossain concluded by stressing the need for respectful discourse, saying, "Our language and behaviour should be such that even our enemies cannot criticise us."

These remarks come amid ongoing protests by Hossain's supporters, who have been demonstrating in front of the Nagar Bhaban, the Dhaka South headquarters, for six consecutive days, demanding his immediate swearing-in as mayor.

The protesters, under the banner of "Amra Dhakabashi" (We the Residents of Dhaka), have locked all gates of the Nagar Bhaban, effectively halting administrative operations and causing significant public inconvenience.