Ishraque supporters stage protest at Nagar Bhaban for mayoral handover
Since 14 May, they have been observing the sit-in programme by locking every gate of Nagar Bhaban. At the same time, they have announced that they will continue this movement until Ishraque is given the responsibility of mayor
Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain started a sit-in in front of the Nagar Bhaban since 10:30am today (1 June), demanding that he be formally handed over the duties of mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation in compliance with the court verdict.
The protesters also chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan.
Since early morning, supporters of Ishraque started to gather in front of the city corporation building in small groups.
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Since 14 May, they have been observing the sit-in programme by locking every gate of Nagar Bhaban. At the same time, they have announced that they will continue this movement until Ishraque is given the responsibility of mayor.
The controversy over Ishraque's mayoral oath stems from the 1 February 2020 Dhaka South election, 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.
On 29 May, the Appellate Division in an order said it is up to the Election Commission to decide whether Ishraque will be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
Officials and employees of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) also held a protest march condemning the attack on a peaceful preparatory rally marking Ishraque Hossain's arrival at Nagar Bhaban on 29 May.
