Protests at DSCC reflect public frustration, not personal agenda: Ishraque

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain today said the ongoing protests at the DSCC premises were not personally initiated by him, but rather reflect public frustration and a collective response from both citizens and DSCC officials.

"This movement was not called by me alone. It is the people -- voters of Dhaka South and those who supported me -- who have taken this decision," Ishraque said during a press briefing at the Jatiya Press Club today.

"From what I understand, the protest will continue until the demands are met. Even DSCC officials and employees have joined in," he

Responding to questions about service disruption caused by the protest, Ishraque said, "People are protesting spontaneously. I don't know who locked the gates or is obstructing access — it's a result of their frustration. I won't issue any instructions in this regard, as we believe in democratic principles."

"However, I urge protesters to avoid actions that may cause public suffering," he added.

Ishraque, who was recently declared DSCC mayor by a court, reiterated that his team never withdrew from the electoral race.

"We never boycotted the election or left the field. Even in the final stages, I clearly stated that I was still in the race. We later filed a legal challenge, and the court ruled in our favour. Yet, despite the publication of the gazette, the government has been delaying implementation for over 20 days," he said.

"I am not blaming any political party, individual, or even the government as a whole. What we want is a fair resolution. It seems clear there is discrimination against a BNP-nominated candidate," Ishraque said.

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