Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain have once again surrounded Nagar Bhaban, the main office of Dhaka South City Corporation, demanding that he be sworn in as mayor. With locks placed on the main gate and all entrances, all civic services have been suspended.
Despite light rain on Sunday morning (June 1), BNP activists gathered at Nagar Bhaban and later staged a sit-in under the building, effectively blocking access. Protesters raised slogans such as "Ishraque, we stand fearless with you," "No delay in Ishraque's oath-taking," and "Ishraque brother, move forward, we are with you," filling the area with chants.
The locked gates have prevented citizens from entering the building to access essential services like trade license renewal, birth and death registration, and holding tax payments. Consequently, many have left without receiving the services they came for.
The protesters said their movement was briefly paused over the past two days due to government holidays and events commemorating the martyrdom anniversary of President Ziaur Rahman, but they remain determined to continue until Ishrak is sworn in.
Since May 14, Ishraque's supporters have maintained continuous sit-ins and strikes at Nagar Bhaban to demand his formal appointment as mayor. They also held protests for two days in front of Jamuna last week, echoing the same demand.
On March 27, the election tribunal and the First Joint District Judge Court of Dhaka declared Ishraque Hossain as the rightful mayor. The Election Commission issued his official appointment gazette on April 27. However, the Local Government Ministry has yet to implement it. Most recently, the Appellate Division's full bench dismissed an appeal concerning the delay in administering Ishraque's oath.
