Ishraque supporters block roads in Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail areas

Employees of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) staged a sit-in inside its headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, this afternoon, demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be instated as mayor.

The protest, which began around 11:00am, saw DSCC workers locking offices of multiple departments, effectively halting all public service operations for the day.

Earlier, at 10:30am, protesters had gathered at various key points in the capital, including Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail, and the Jatiya Press Club, reiterating their demand for Ishraque to be sworn in as DSCC mayor without delay.

Photo: Collected

Around 12:30pm, hundreds of the protesters moved to Matsya Bhaban intersection, suspending vehicular movement in the area. Another group also halted traffic movement on a road in Kakrail that led to the chief adviser's official residence, Jamuna.

Union leaders representing various segments of the DSCC--including the Scavengers and Workers' Union, Transport Drivers and Workers' Union, Power Workers' Welfare Association, and the Fourth-Class Employees' Welfare Association-- declared their support for the movement.

"If our demands are not fulfilled, we will suspend all civic services, including waste management, transport operations, and electricity-related services," one of the union representatives warned.

Photo: Prabir Das

Yesterday, the protesters said their movement will intensify until their demands are met, following weeks of growing tension in the capital.

Ishraque's supporters have been demonstrating in front of Nagar Bhaban since May 14.

Five employee unions of Dhaka South City Corporation announced to go on strike unless Ishraque is pronounced mayor by 10:00am today. The unions, expressing solidarity with Ishraque supporters, issued the ultimatum at Nagar Bhaban yesterday.

On March 27, the Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal declared Ishraque Hossain, a BNP Foreign Affairs Committee member, as the rightful mayor of DSCC. Following the verdict, the Election Commission published a gazette notification on April 27 officially recognising him as mayor.

The High Court is due to deliver its verdict later today on a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission's decision to declare Ishraque Hossain as DSCC mayor.