Waiting for SC verdict copy for review before deciding on Ishraque's oath: CEC

The decision regarding BNP leader Ishraque Hossain's swearing-in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation will be made only after receiving and reviewing the full copy of the Appellate Division's verdict, said Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin today (29 May).

"We have not yet received the official verdict of the Appellate Division. Once we obtain it, we will examine the legal aspects and act accordingly," the CEC told reporters after a closed-door meeting at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon.

"No decision can be made based solely on media headlines," he added.

The Election Commission convened the meeting following the Supreme Court's ruling in favour of Ishraque. The meeting lasted for nearly three hours and was attended by the CEC and other election commissioners.

The current term of the Dhaka South City Corporation mayor ends on 1 June.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Ishraque 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 mayor without delay.

"Either swear me in and implement the court's verdict immediately, or from tomorrow, we along with the citizens will launch a tougher movement," he told reporters at Nagar Bhaban after the apex court'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," he said.

This morning, Ishraque's supporters gathered outside the Nagar Bhaban again, despite the rain, demanding that he 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 remained locked for the 14th day.