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Dhaka, May 21, 2025: Supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain have vowed to continue their protests on the streets until a verdict is delivered on a writ petition challenging the Election Commission's gazette declaring him the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The High Court has deferred the hearing on the writ, which seeks to declare the gazette invalid and prevent Ishraq from taking the oath, to Thursday, May 22.
Protesters, including BNP activists and DSCC employees, have announced they will maintain their demonstrations until Ishraq is officially handed over the mayoral responsibilities. On Wednesday, May 21, thousands of supporters gathered at the High Court, Matsya Bhaban, Kakrail Mor, and in front of the Jumna, continuing their protests despite rain in the afternoon.
According to BNP sources, the party has organized a schedule dividing protest duties among activists from different thanas to ensure the movement remains sustained. Until 10 PM on Wednesday, activists from specific thanas will stage protests at Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail areas, after which others will take over from 10 PM to 10 AM the next morning.
Ishraq’s supporters have been holding demonstrations in front of the Nagar Bhaban since May 14. They had issued an ultimatum that if Ishraq was not sworn in as mayor by 10 AM on Wednesday, they would escalate their protests. The DSCC Employees’ Union also threatened to suspend all civic services in the DSCC area. As their demands were not met, the protesters moved from Nagar Bhaban to Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail after 10 AM on Wednesday.
The mayoral election for Dhaka South City Corporation was held on February 1, 2020, amid allegations of widespread irregularities and fraud. Following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5 last year, Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was removed. On March 27 this year, an election tribunal declared Ishraq Hossain the winner of the election, and on April 27, the Election Commission published a gazette announcing him as the mayor. However, his oath-taking ceremony has yet to take place.
On May 14, Supreme Court lawyer Md. Mamunur Rashid filed a writ petition in the High Court to prevent Ishraq from taking the oath. While the court hearing was underway on Wednesday, Ishraq’s supporters continued their protests at Matsya Bhaban and Kakrail, demanding his instatement as mayor.
AI/MR
