Ishraque's mayoral oath: Protesters lay siege to Nagar Bhaban for six hours, blockade announced for tomorrow
On 27 April, the Election Commission announced Ishraque as the new mayor of Dhaka South after receiving a legal opinion from the law ministry and subsequently publishing a gazette.
A large group of protesters blockaded the road in front of Nagar Bhaban and nearby Golap Shah Mazar Intersection on the fifth day of protests today (19 May), demanding the swearing-in of Ishraque Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.
Protesters have announced a blockade programme for tomorrow (20 May) again.
Former senior secretary Mashiur Rahman made the announcement under the banner of "Citizens of Dhaka" during the fifth day of their ongoing sit-in protest in front of Nagar Bhaban today.
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Prior to the announcement, the protesters blocked one side of the road in the Gulistan Mazar area from 10am to shortly before 4pm with trucks and ropes, resulting in severe traffic jams on the Gulistan-Sadarghat road.
Slogans were being shouted from microphones installed at various points from Nagar Bhaban to Zero Point. Small processions were taken out. Music was also performed in front of the main gate of Nagar Bhaban.
They took position in front of the main gate of Nagar Bhaban, preventing the people from availing services from there. The city corporation staff were also unable to access their offices. In addition, the Local Government Division office was also relocated from there to the Secretariat building.
Yesterday, protesters gathered at Nagar Bhaban and locked the building to push for their demand. The gates were still locked this morning.
The protesters took position in front of the main gate of Nagar Bhaban this morning, preventing people from availing services from there. The city corporation officials and staff were also unable to access their offices.
In addition, the Local Government Division office was also relocated from there to the Secretariat building.
On 27 April, the Election Commission announced Ishraque as the new mayor of Dhaka South after receiving a legal opinion from the law ministry and subsequently publishing a gazette.
Following the ouster of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, all mayors were removed in the country's 12 city corporations.
At a press briefing on 17 May, Ishraque said he had filed a case within 30 days of the election. "Former Dhaka South mayor Taposh tried to obstruct the case proceedings by force," he said.
"At that time, the court was in favour of the Awami League. We have received the verdict following all the legal steps. Those who are speaking against the verdict are insulting the court," Ishraque added.
Stating that he has not been sworn in as Dhaka South mayor although 20 days have passed since the publication of the gazette, Ishraque said he is ready to be sworn in.
The Dhaka South and Dhaka North elections were held on 1 February 2020.
Awami League candidates Atiqul Islam and Fazle Noor Taposh were elected mayors of Dhaka North and South, respectively.
On 3 March 2020, Ishraque filed a case challenging the results, citing vote rigging and irregularities.
