The High Court has dismissed a writ petition seeking to prevent BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from being sworn in as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). According to his legal team, the verdict clarifies the way for Ishraque to assume his duties as mayor officially.
Despite the ruling, Ishraque's supporters have pledged to continue their protest. They are now demanding the resignation of two key advisers to the interim government, Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam. Protesters say the movement will persist until both step down from their posts.
Since Wednesday morning, Ishraque's supporters have been demonstrating at Kakrail, calling for his swearing-in. They held an overnight sit-in, and even after Thursday's court decision, a portion of the demonstrators remained in place.
Protesters describe the High Court's verdict as an initial victory but emphasise their continued demand for the resignation of the two advisers. "We won't stop until both resign," declared Alauddin, a former leader of the Jubo Dal's Motijheel Thana unit, who is among those participating in the demonstration.
On Wednesday evening, around 7:30 pm, Ishraque himself joined the sit-in at Kakrail and reaffirmed his commitment to the protest. He announced that the movement would continue until he is officially sworn in and reiterated his demand for the resignation of Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam.
Following Thursday's court ruling, BNP activists gathered near the Kakrail Mosque and erupted in celebration. Chanting slogans, they declared, "Just in: Ishraque is now mayor!" and "Breaking news: The people have won!"
