Ishraque joins in as protests swell
The ongoing movement demanding Ishraque Hossain's immediate swearing-in as mayor of Dhaka south spread across several key locations in the capital yesterday, including Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail, and the Jatiya Press Club.
The demonstrations, which began at the Nagar Bhaban, continued till the filing of this report at 12:30am near Kakrail Mosque, in line with Ishraque's instruction to his supporters to remain on the streets "for as long as necessary".
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. This movement is not merely about securing an individual position, but rather about determining whether a free and fair election will take place by December.
Around 7:30pm yesterday -- the seventh day of protests -- BNP leader Ishraque himself joined the protests near Kakrail Mosque and demanded the resignations of LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam.
He said, "These two advisers are working for a new political party while still in government.
"We have come with rightful demands as per the court's verdict. This movement is not to install any individual in the mayor's office. It is a movement to ensure a fair upcoming election. The court has thoroughly analysed the entire case, and the Election Commission has done a detailed review before giving their opinion. It is the responsibility of the local government [ministry] to administer the oath. Yet, the adviser of that ministry is giving personal opinions. This goes against our fundamental rights."
The BNP leader, who was present at Kakrail till the filing of this report, added, "We demand an immediate announcement of a roadmap for the national election. At the same time, we believe a neutral election is not possible under this government, as some of its advisers are conspiring against the BNP."
Meanwhile, all civic services of DSCC have been suspended due to the demonstrations and work stoppages by various employee unions supporting Ishraque.
With the Nagar Bhaban locked, all internal operations have ceased, and its eight regional offices outside the main building have also shut down, DSCC Administrator Md Shahjahan Mia confirmed to The Daily Star.
"For the past few days, all civic services inside the Nagar Bhaban have been suspended. Today [yesterday], the regional offices outside the building have also been closed. As a result, we are unable to provide any civic services to the residents of Dhaka south," he said.
Regarding communications with the employee unions, he added, "We've informed our higher authorities … They'll take necessary decisions."
Around 10:30am, demonstrators had gathered at key locations including Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail and the Jatiya Press Club to press home their demands.
By 11:00am, DSCC workers began locking up offices across multiple departments.
An hour and half later, hundreds of protesters had converged at the Matsya Bhaban intersection, blocking vehicular movement. Another group obstructed traffic on a road in Kakrail that leads to the State Guest House Jamuna -- the official residence of the chief adviser.
Union leaders representing various DSCC bodies -- including the Scavengers and Workers' Union, Transport Drivers and Workers' Union, Power Workers' Welfare Association, and the Class-Four Employees' Welfare Association -- have extended full support to the movement.
"If our demands are not met, we will suspend all civic services, including waste management, transport operations and electricity-related services," warned one union leader.
HC DEFERS ITS VERDICT
Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday deferred until 10:45am today the delivery of its verdict on a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission's decision to declare BNP-nominated Ishraque as DSCC mayor.
The bench of Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury, which was scheduled to pass the order at 12:30pm yesterday, postponed the verdict after additional arguments were presented by Ishraque's lawyers Barrister AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon and Barrister Kayser Kamal, and the petitioner's lawyer Mohammad Hossain.
On Tuesday, the bench had set yesterday for delivering the verdict following the conclusion of the hearing.
On March 27, Dhaka's First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Judge Md Nurul Islam overturned the 2020 DSCC election results, declared Ishraque the rightful winner, and instructed the EC to issue a gazette notification within 10 days.
The EC complied and published the gazette on April 27, officially recognising Ishraque as DSCC mayor.
However, on May 14, a DSCC resident named Mamunur Rashid filed a writ petition with the HC, challenging the legality of the tribunal's verdict and the EC's subsequent notification.
Asked why the EC did not appeal the court's decision regarding Ishraque, Election Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah explained that there was no provision for the EC to be made a party in such cases.
"We have reviewed all relevant election laws and regulations, and there is no scope for the EC to be made a party. Moreover, there is no precedent of the EC being made a party in such matters in the past. Therefore, the law does not grant us the authority to become involved in such a way."
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