Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban in Dhaka on Wednesday morning, demanding that Ishraque Hossain be officially sworn in as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). The protest began around 9:00 a.m., with participants arriving in the Gulistan area as early as 8:30 a.m., chanting slogans and waving banners.
Ishraq, a member of the BNP's Foreign Affairs Committee and son of the late BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka, was declared mayor by the Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal on March 27. The Election Commission later published an official gazette on April 27, confirming him as the lawful mayor. However, no oath-taking ceremony has been arranged, prompting public outrage and today's mass protest.
Many of the demonstrators identified themselves as residents of Old Dhaka, including neighborhoods such as Gopibagh and Sutrapur, and stated they had voted for Ishraq in the last election. They accused authorities of delaying the mayoral transition on political grounds, despite the court and Election Commission decisions in Ishraq’s favor.
“I’m not part of any political party,” said one protester from Gopibagh. “But I voted for Ishraq. He won in court and was declared mayor officially. Now they’re denying him the post without any valid reason.”
Humayun Kabir, a protester from Sutrapur, echoed similar sentiments: “We are voters. We want our chosen candidate to take charge. This is our democratic right.”
Protesters announced that the demonstration would continue until 2:00 p.m., and warned of further action if the situation remains unresolved. Organizers stated a new program will be announced later, depending on the government’s response.
Ishraque Hossain’s popularity, particularly in Old Dhaka, stems not only from his political stance but also from the enduring legacy of his father, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, a former mayor and influential figure in the area.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
