Oath immediately or tougher movement from tomorrow: Ishraque

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has issued a stern warning to the government, demanding immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's verdict and arranging for his swearing-in as Dhaka South City Corporation mayor without delay.

"Either swear me in and implement the court's verdict immediately, or from tomorrow, we will launch a tougher movement along with the city's residents," he told reporters at Nagar Bhaban today (29 May), after the SC's verdict.

"We are giving the interim government one last chance. Do not go against the people. If you're creating this much complication over the swearing-in of just one person, how will you manage elections and the swearing-in of MPs in 300 constituencies? This has raised serious concerns among the public," he added.

Ishraque further said, "We had faith in the court, and the court has ruled in our favour. This has only strengthened our trust in the judiciary. I am grateful to all those who braved storms and rain to stay on the streets during the past two weeks of protests." 

"The gazette has been upheld. This proves that from the very beginning, we have respected the rule of law. We, my party BNP, have always honoured the law. It has also become clear that some advisers of the current government have tried to delay and manipulate the verdict."

Earlier in the morning, supporters of Ishraque Hossain gathered outside the Nagar Bhaban again, despite the rain, demanding that Ishraque be formally handed over the duties of mayor.

The protesters also demanded the resignation of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud.

Due to the ongoing protest, the Nagar Bhaban has remained locked for the 14th day.

The Appellate Division, after hearing a leave to appeal petition for staying the court judgment and the Election Commission (EC) gazette that declared Ishraque Hossain mayor, said the EC will decide whether he will be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South.

A full bench of seven judges, led by Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed, disposed of the appeal petition and gave an order with observations.

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.