NCP expresses concern over role of EC in declaring Ishraq mayor

The National Citizens Party (NCP) expressed deep concern over what it called the one-sided verdict and subsequent role and activities of the Election Commission (EC) in declaring Ishraq Hossain as DSCC mayor.

In a statement issued today, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari criticised the handling of the case, noting that while it saw only 32 hearing dates over the first three and a half years, 17 dates were suddenly scheduled within just four months since October 2024 – indicating a rushed resolution. 

He further criticised the EC for remaining passive in the case, despite being a listed respondent. This "lack of engagement", he argued, allowed a "one-sided verdict" to proceed and raised suspicions of bias—especially since the EC did not challenge it in the higher court.

"Such actions by the Commission are abnormal and alarming. We have previously seen the Commission make statements that, instead of maintaining neutrality, seemed to benefit a major political party," the statement read.

Patwari also noted that an administrator had already been appointed to Dhaka South City Corporation on 19 August, 2024, effectively rendering the legal dispute irrelevant. He questioned whether the Commission's swift publication of a gazette following the verdict was motivated by hidden political interests.

The NCP has called for an impartial investigation into the matter and urged the authorities to take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of both the judiciary and the electoral system.