Ishraque must be sworn in immediately or movement will take a new turn: BNP's Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today (19 May) warned that if Ishraque Hossain is not sworn in as Dhaka South mayor within a day or two, the ongoing movement for his oath-taking will take a different shape.

Speaking at the inauguration of BNP's Sylhet division membership campaign at the district Shilpakala Academy this afternoon, he said, "Just because we supported this [interim] government doesn't mean they can do whatever they want."

His comment came as protesters blocked the road in front of the Nagar Bhaban in Dhaka for the fifth consecutive day today, demanding the swearing-in of Ishraque as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

In his speech, Salahuddin also urged the interim government to hold elections as soon as possible. 

"If elections are not held soon, the integrity of the chief adviser will be in question."

The BNP leader also said the party must remain vigilant so that Awami League members cannot infiltrate their party.

"Only those who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism and identify themselves as Bangladeshi can become members of the BNP. Has the BNP become so desperate that it needs to import members from the Awami League? Awami League's DNA lacks democracy. Why should we invite them into our party?," said Salahuddin.

"On 5 August, the people of Bangladesh rejected the Awami League. They are responsible for one of the worst massacres in our history and have faced a political death. Yet, they show no remorse or seek forgiveness for their crimes. Instead, they label the participants of the mass uprising as miscreants. How can they still be involved in politics?"

Calling for justice for Awami League's crimes, Salahuddin urged everyone to ensure that Bangladesh never again becomes a breeding ground for autocracy or fascism.