Ishraque supporters lock down DSCC Nagar Bhaban

Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain yesterday padlocked all entry points of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, bringing all service-related operations to a halt.

The gates were locked around 9:00am as part of an ongoing demonstration under the banner of "Dhakabashi", protesting the government's delay in appointing Ishraque as mayor.

Hundreds of his supporters gathered at the site, claiming they used 65 locks to seal the building.

Protesters demanded the resignation of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government. They also declared Local Government Division (LGD) Secretary Rezaul Maksud Zahedi "unwelcome" at Nagar Bhaban and warned of resisting the two officials "wherever they are found".

As a result, DSCC employees could not enter the premises, suspending all operations. Operations of the LGD housed in the same building were also suspended.

Protesters said they had taken similar actions on Thursday, locking the gates and halting services.

Earlier in the day, protesters announced a march towards the Secretariat from Nagar Bhaban. However, police stopped them with barricades near the GPO Mor.

The protesters then moved to Jatiya Press Club, where they held a brief sit-in and chanted slogans before returning to Nagar Bhaban.

By 10:30am, multiple processions from various parts of the city had gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban, causing traffic congestion in surrounding areas. While the main gate remained locked, some movement continued through a smaller side gate.

Around 11:00am, several groups moved through Golap Shah Mazar and GPO towards Paltan, but were intercepted by police near the GPO intersection.

"The government is stalling Ishraque's swearing-in because it does not want BNP leaders in important positions," said Khalil Shaheen, a protester from Shahbagh.

Around 1:30pm, the day's programme ended with an announcement to continue the protests today. Retired senior secretary Moshiur Rahman, speaking on behalf of the protesters, confirmed the continuation of the movement.

Meanwhile, at a press briefing at Jatiya Press Club yesterday, Ishraque Hossain alleged that the delay in his swearing-in reflects deeper issues within the state. "It shows there's a 'government within the government' -- an inner circle working to benefit a particular party," he claimed.

He noted that despite a court ruling in his favour and the publication of the gazette, the government has delayed implementation for over 20 days.

Regarding the DSCC protests, Ishraque said, "This movement wasn't called by me alone. It's the people, the voters of Dhaka South, who have taken the initiative. From what I understand, the protest will continue until the demands are met."

SERVICES CRIPPLED ACROSS REGIONAL OFFICES

The disruption extended beyond Nagar Bhaban. Services at DSCC's all 10 regional offices were also suspended as protesters blocked staff from entering.

An executive engineer from one region said protesters demonstrated at their office and prevented officials from entering.

Around 2:00pm, Masud Hasan, a city resident, arrived at Nagar Bhaban to inquire about his daughter's birth registration. Finding the gates locked, he expressed frustration.

"Dhaka has turned into a city of protests. This is causing unbearable suffering to ordinary citizens like us. We hope this disruption ends soon," he said, adding that he had faced similar issues on Thursday.