Ishraque urges city workers to maintain cleanliness amid protest over mayoral swearing-in

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain today called on officials and employees of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to carry out their duties in keeping the city clean ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, even as his supporters continued their protest demanding his swearing-in as mayor.

The instruction came during a phone call made by Ishraque this afternoon to members of the DSCC Workers' Union and protesters gathered at Nagar Bhaban, the city corporation's headquarters.

On May 15, Ishraque's supporters and union members had staged a sit-in at Kakrail intersection near Kakrail Mosque, issuing a 48-hour ultimatum for the government to initiate the swearing-in process.

As no progress was made by the May 17 deadline, protesters locked the gates of Nagar Bhaban in the morning and staged a demonstration on the building's ground floor.

Speaking over the phone via Dhakabashi coordinator and former secretary Moshiur Rahman, Ishraque thanked the demonstrators and urged them to continue fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

"Since Friday fell within our deadline, no progress was made that day. We are giving the government one more day. In the meantime, everyone must fulfil their responsibilities," Ishraque said.

"Eid-ul-Azha is approaching. After the sacrifice, it is our collective duty to ensure the city remains clean and liveable. I hope government inaction does not result in public suffering. The results of your protest will soon be visible," he added.

Moshiur, who is leading the Dhakabashi group supporting Ishraque, said, "The government has yet to initiate the swearing-in of the people's mayor, Ishraque Hossain. If this delay continues beyond today, the government will be held responsible for any consequences."