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Dhaka, June 26, 2025: After 43 days of blockade, Mohammad Shahjahan Mia, the Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), finally entered the Nagar Bhaban on Thursday, June 26. Around 1:30 PM, he accessed his office after protesters unlocked the administrator’s office, which had been sealed since May 15. He called upon all officials and employees to resume their duties.
Speaking to journalists, Shahjahan Mia said, “We don’t want to look back. We have a lot of work ahead, and we will focus on that. We assure the city dwellers that all civic services will continue uninterrupted.” He announced that the office would remain open on Friday and Saturday, and all staff would work together to ensure smooth operations.
The administrator highlighted three key priorities for the coming days: mosquito control programs, cleanliness drives, and the formulation of the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. He added, “We will make civic services more effective. The budget preparation process is underway. Even during the crisis, our work never stopped, but from today, everyone will focus on their duties with renewed energy.”
Arif Chowdhury, president of the DSCC Nationalist Employees’ Union and a key coordinator of the movement, along with general secretary Belayet Hossain Babu, welcomed the administrator under the banner of ‘We Are Dhaka Residents’ and assured full cooperation. Belayet Hossain said, “We will support the administrator in all DSCC activities and work as per his directives to make operations dynamic.”
Arif Chowdhury stated, “Following Mayor Ishraq Hossain’s instructions, we will cooperate with the administrator. He has encouraged us, and we will support all departments, including engineering, alongside the administrator.” He added, “Officially, there are no more sit-in programs by Dhaka residents or the workers’ union. However, unofficially, we will remain vigilant to prevent any panic.”
On Sunday, the protesters announced the reopening of all DSCC departments and regional offices except the administrator’s and secretary’s offices. Mashiyur Rahman, the chief coordinator of the movement, said, “We urge all employees to return to their duties to keep civic services operational. However, we will continue our sit-in at Nagar Bhaban until Ishraq Hossain is sworn in as mayor.”
The blockade began on May 15, led by supporters of BNP leader Ishraq Hossain and a section of DSCC employees, demanding that Ishraq be sworn in as mayor.
AI/MR
