Ishraque supporters unlock Dhaka South administrator’s office after 42 days
Since 14 May, supporters of mayor-elect Ishraque have been staging a sit-in, locking all entrances to Nagar Bhaban. Protesters earlier announced that their movement would continue until the BNP leader was sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South
After 42 days of lockdown, demonstrators under the banner of "Amra Dhakabashi" — which have been protesting in demand of the swearing in of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the mayor — have unlocked the Dhaka South City Corporation administrator's office.
As per the ongoing movement's decision, protestors this morning (26 June) unlocked the administrator's office at Nagar Bhaban, allowing Md Shahjahan Mia access to the building for the first time since mid-May.
DSCC Administrator Shahjahan was expected to enter the premises soon after.
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Earlier on 23 June, the main gate of Nagar Bhaban reopened after 39 days.
Since 14 May, supporters of mayor-elect Ishraque have been staging a sit-in, locking all entrances to Nagar Bhaban. Protesters earlier announced that their movement would continue until the BNP leader was sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South.
The dispute surrounding Ishraque's oath stems from the 1 February 2020 Dhaka South mayoral election, in which Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the winner amid widespread allegations of electoral irregularities.
Ishraque, whose late father BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka was the Dhaka city mayor, challenged the results in court.
On 27 March this year, Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal ruled in Ishraque's favour, nullifying Taposh's victory and declaring Ishraque as the legitimate mayor.
Following the verdict, the Election Commission published a gazette notification on 27 April recognising Ishraque as mayor of Dhaka South.
However, a writ petition was filed on 14 May by Supreme Court lawyer Md Mamunur Rashid, seeking to halt the oath-taking ceremony. Citing legal complications, the Ministry of Local Government postponed the swearing-in.
Later, on 29 May, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court stated in an order that it is the Election Commission's discretion whether or not Ishraque should be administered the oath as mayor.
