Ishraque urges protesters to stand firm, reject ‘empty promises’ until demands are met

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called on his supporters to remain on the streets and reject what he described as "carrot tactics" aimed at defusing their movement. 

In a Facebook post today (22 May), he insisted that protests must continue until the two student representative advisers resign from the advisory panel of the interim government.

"To my fellow protesters, I say this - don't let these carrots fool you like they would a donkey. We are not to be pacified so easily," Ishraque wrote in Bangla, referencing what he views as insincere assurances from the authorities.

"Unless we receive confirmed news of the resignation of both student representatives from the advisory council, this fight must go on. Do not leave the streets - instead, expand the movement further," he added. 

Earlier yesterday (21 May) in a Facebook post from his verified account, Ishraque wrote, "In the spirit of democratic values and political decorum, I urge advisers Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam to resign from all responsibilities of the interim government on justifiable grounds."

"It appears that you are already associated with political parties and may soon be formally involved. It also seems likely that you plan to contest in the upcoming elections. So, is it unreasonable to ask for your resignation? Or wouldn't stepping down be the right move to end political controversy surrounding your roles?" the post reads.

He continued, "You should follow the example set by Nahid Islam. He could have continued as a minister for a few more days before joining the NCP, but he chose to resign instead. There was a time when leaders like Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah were urged to take ministerial posts, but they declined, choosing instead to pursue politics independently."

The comments come amidst ongoing demonstrations by BNP leaders and supporters demanding Ishraque's swearing-in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

Despite a favourable court verdict removing all legal barriers to his assumption of office, protesters have vowed to continue their sit-in until he is officially handed responsibility and two government advisers, Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam step down.

For the past several days, demonstrators have occupied the area around the chief adviser's official residence near Kakrail, disrupting traffic across nearby intersections.

Supporters say they will remain on the streets until their demands are fully met, even as the legal path for Ishraque's mayoral appointment has been cleared.