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Dhaka, May 19, 2025 – Supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain have intensified their protest by blockading the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters, locking all gates, including the main entrance, and bringing all service activities to a standstill.
The demonstrators, under the banner of “Dhaka Citizens,” are demanding that Ishraq be officially sworn in as the mayor of DSCC.
The blockade, which began around 11 AM on Monday, has disrupted vehicular movement around the city hall and halted all civic services. Protesters, who gathered from various parts of Dhaka in processions, have been chanting slogans such as “We demand Ishraq’s oath,” “No delays in oath-taking,” “Resign, Asif,” and “People’s mayor Ishraq Bhai, no other mayor will do.” The gates of the city hall have been locked since the protest began, forcing service seekers to return without assistance.
According to reports, the blockade follows days of protests, with Ishraq’s supporters accusing authorities of delaying his swearing-in ceremony. On Sunday, former secretary Mashiur Rahman announced the “blockade” program after the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations outside the city hall. The protesters have vowed to continue their agitation, threatening stricter measures until Ishraq is officially instated as mayor.
The controversy stems from the 2020 DSCC election, where Awami League’s Sheikh Fazle Noor Tapas defeated Ishraq by nearly 200,000 votes. However, on March 27, 2025, the Dhaka Election Tribunal overturned the results, declaring Ishraq the winner. The Election Commission followed suit on April 27, issuing a gazette notification confirming Ishraq as the DSCC mayor. Despite this, his oath-taking ceremony has yet to take place, fueling the ongoing protests.
“We will not stop until Ishraq Hossain is sworn in as mayor,” a protester told the media. “If needed, we will escalate our movement with tougher programs.” The blockade has left the city hall inaccessible, severely impacting residents dependent on DSCC services.
AI/MR
