Govt preventing Ishraque from becoming mayor by force: Rizvi

The interim government is using force to stop Ishraque Hossain from assuming office as mayor, despite a court order in his favour, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi alleged today (20 May).

"Even after the court's verdict, Ishraque is not allowed to take the oath. This proves the interim government is abusing its authority. If Dr Shahadat can become mayor in Chattogram, what wrong has Ishraque done?" the BNP leader asked.

He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting injured BNP activist Rakibul Hasan in Khilkhet, who was wounded during the July Uprising.

Criticising what he called the immature conduct of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Rizvi said, "Due to the sudden assumption of a significant state role, he lacks maturity and balance in his statements, which is evident considering his young age."

He further alleged that the real perpetrators behind the 2024 mass uprising have yet to be brought to justice, while the interim government continues to take more counterproductive steps than constructive ones.

Referring to the police's role during recent protests, Rizvi said, "When university teachers marched to Jamuna demanding housing, they were disrespected and the police were seen taking action against them. This echoes past abuses under Sheikh Hasina's rule."

Rakibul Hasan, an activist from the BNP's volunteer wing, was injured during a protest on 18 July last year at the ECB Chattar in Dhaka.

He was reportedly attacked by police and ruling party activists while participating in an anti-government demonstration.

A delegation from the pro-BNP platform 'Amra BNP Poribar (We Are BNP Family)', led by its Convener Atikur Rahman Ruman, also met Rakibul and spoke with his mother.