Why Ishraque stepped back from his mayoral oath fight

Just days before Eid-ul-Adha, BNP leader Ishraque Hossain issued a bold warning that no "outsider" administrator or adviser would be allowed into Dhaka South City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban unless the government arranged his swearing-in as mayor. If not, he said, he would organise a public oath-taking with the people of Dhaka.

But after Eid, the "Amra Dhakabashi" movement that rallied behind this demand quickly lost momentum. Ishraque's pledge to deliver civic services under his self-declared mandate also faltered, as neither city officials nor residents rallied behind the effort. 

On 22 June, his supporters announced the reopening of all offices at Nagar Bhaban, excluding the administrator's and engineering departments.

With little support from city officials or residents, Ishraque eventually backed down from his stance and on Thursday, his supporters unlocked the administrator's office, allowing Md Shahjahan Mia to return to his desk after 43 days – greeted by the very leaders who had once declared him unwelcome.

BNP insiders said Ishraque's tactics backfired, and his push for the oath was becoming politically costly.

"He grew increasingly desperate over the oath issue. Disrupting public services, bringing in outsiders, and triggering clashes severely damaged the BNP's public image," said a senior party source, requesting anonymity.

"The high command advised a safe exit," he added.

Infighting tarnished credibility

Even before the retreat, the movement showed signs of fracture. Infighting had emerged between two protest factions, leading to confrontations that further tarnished BNP's credibility. 

Senior leaders, speaking anonymously, said these divisions prompted the leadership to call off the protest altogether.

On Friday, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi publicly disowned unauthorised protests in BNP's name. 

"Those agitating at the Income Tax office or other government offices are not part of BNP. They are pursuing their own interests," he said.

Rizvi cautioned that individuals were exploiting BNP's name to gain influence in state institutions, warning of long-term consequences if such actions continued unchecked.

Attempts to contact Ishraque for comment were unsuccessful. His phone remained off, and messages went unanswered.

Shift in strategy

Leaders of the pro-BNP Dhaka South City Employees' Union acknowledged a shift in strategy. "We received instructions from Mayor Ishraque Hossain to cooperate with the administrator," said union president Arif Chowdhury. "He encouraged us to support all departments, including engineering and field operations."

Arif added that while the sit-in has ended, some presence would remain at Nagar Bhaban "to prevent panic and maintain order". 

Union general secretary Belayet Hossain Babu added, "We will now follow the administrator's lead to restore efficiency in city services."

After re-entering his office, Administrator Shahjahan Mia said, "We do not want to look back anymore. We have a lot of work ahead, and we will get it done. Our services will continue without pause."

He identified mosquito control, urban cleanliness, and the upcoming budget as his immediate priorities.

Meanwhile, Dhaka South offices remained open on Friday and Saturday to resume full operations. 

Public Relations Officer Md Rasel Rahman said that between 8am and 9am Friday, all officers were required to monitor on-ground operations – such as mosquito control, waste management, and infrastructure work – via live feeds, before returning to their desks.

"These activities were centrally monitored by the administrator and CEO from the control room," Rasel said, adding that the same would continue on Saturday. "Officials have been instructed to prioritise budgeting and mosquito control going forward."