Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain staged demonstrations on Wednesday (May 21) on roads leading to the Matsa Bhaban, the Kakrail Mosque, and the residence of the Chief Adviser, Jamuna, resulting in a complete suspension of vehicular movement. They demanded that Ishraque be handed the responsibilities of Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Another group of his supporters also staged a sit-in in front of the DSCC Nagar Bhaban, blocking the road.

According to eyewitnesses, around 9:30 am, Ishraque’s supporters from different parts of Dhaka began gathering in front of Nagar Bhaban in small processions. Due to the protest, administrative activities at Nagar Bhaban were suspended. Operations of the Ministry of Local Government, housed in the same building, also came to a standstill.

Around 10:00 am, a section of the protesters marched toward the Matsa Bhaban and staged a sit-in near the High Court. They chanted slogans such as “Immediately hand over mayoral duties to Ishraque,” “One demand only — resignation of Asif,” “Break the dark hands of Asif Bhuiyan,” and “No more delays in oath-taking.” As a result, traffic on the surrounding roads was brought to a halt.

Golam Kader from Lalbagh, who joined the protest in front of the Matsa Bhaban, said, “We will not leave this place until Ishraque is officially handed the responsibilities of mayor. Today, the High Court is expected to deliver a verdict on a writ petition regarding his mayoral oath. We are waiting for that ruling.”

The movement is being led by former government secretary Moshiur Rahman. Speaking to journalists, he said, “In the 2020 city corporation election, Ishraque Hossain received a large number of votes. However, the then Election Commission declared Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh the winner. Now, the Election Commission has annulled that result and issued a gazette declaring Ishraque Hossain the winner. But the Ministry of Local Government has yet to administer his oath. That is why we are protesting on the streets to press our demands.”