Ishraque holds DSCC meeting as 'mayor'

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain held his first meeting today at Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), where he was introduced as the "honourable mayor" in the event banner.

The meeting, held at the Nagar Bhaban conference room, was a views-exchange session with officials and workers of the DSCC's Waste Management Department.

Organisers said the event aimed to ensuring a cleaner Dhaka and improve civic services.

Ishraque was present as chief guest and was greeted with floral bouquets and a crest by several attendees.

The banner displayed behind the podium identified him as "Honourable Mayor, Dhaka South City Corporation".

Earlier, Ishraque had declared that he would take an oath as mayor with the support of DSCC residents and his followers if the government failed to arrange the official swearing-in ceremony.

When asked about the use of the title "mayor" in the banner, Ishraque said, "Today we exchanged views with the workers and employees of DSCC who have been delivering services to the public. I didn't organise this event myself. If someone invites me to an event and they address me as the mayor, that's their choice—not a claim I'm making for myself. This is the people's demand, and it has been upheld by the highest court of Bangladesh."

"Those questioning the use of this title should educate themselves further. The gazette issued by the Election Commission clearly states that I have been declared the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation," he added.