Taking oath as Dhaka south mayor depends on party’s decision: Ishraque

BNP leader Engineer Ishraque Hossain, who was declared the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) by a special court, said that his oath-taking will depend on the decision of his party.
 
"I do respect the court, but whether I take the oath as mayor or not will be decided by the party," said Ishraque, who participated in the election with BNP's electoral symbol 'sheaf of paddy', while talking to journalists in front of the BNP central office in Nayapaltan yesterday (27 March).
 
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam Azad, were also present.
 
Ishraque said, "I have got justice which is the most important thing today. Whether I will take the oath as mayor or not is a decision of the party [BNP]. The party will make the decision, as I was its candidate. I will follow whatever directives the party gives me."
 
The BNP leader also said, "The Dhaka South City Corporation election was held on 1 February 2020 where Awami League's candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared mayor through electoral manipulation." 
 
"However, the court today passed a proper verdict, declaring me as the rightful mayor and annulling Taposh's gazette notification," he added.
 
Ishraque explained that from the outset of the election, there were constant efforts to intimidate him. 

"During our campaign, our posters were torn down, microphones were destroyed, and I was attacked during rallies. Many of our leaders and activists were injured and bloodied. I have filed complaints with the Election Commission since then," he said.
 
He also mentioned that on the day of the election, polling stations did not open until 9:30am, and voting was halted after two hours. 

"Even during that period, they manipulated the votes, showing less votes than I had received. I filed a case at court regarding the irregularities, and submitted all relevant documents," Ishraque added.
 
Commenting on the court's verdict, Ishraque said, "This verdict has established justice, and I hope the flow of justice will continue. Our main goal is to establish justice across all levels of society."
 
Regarding the Election Commission, Ishraque remarked, "The undemocratic processes that led to the destruction of the country, the establishment of a fascist government, and the failure of constitutional bodies cannot be ignored. I believe judicial proceedings should be initiated against people responsible for the manipulation."
 
The BNP leader further said he filed a case on 3 March 2020, seeking the cancellation of the polls for overwhelming irregularities, rigging, and manipulation during the election.
 
Eight officials concerned, including the then Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Returning Officer Md Abdul Baten, and DSCC Mayor Fazle Noor Taposh, were made respondents in the case. 
 
The Dhaka South and North City Corporations Polls were held on 1 February 2020, where Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Atiqul Islam won from south and north, respectively.
 
The Election Commission issued the gazette notification over the polls results on 2 February 2020.