BNP leader Ishraque Hossain joined demonstrators in the capital’s Kakrail area Wednesday evening, expressing solidarity with protesters demanding his appointment as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
His arrival at the sit-in site sparked a wave of enthusiasm among supporters, who chanted slogans in his favor. The protest, organized by activists and supporters, is calling on authorities to implement a recent Election Commission (EC) gazette declaring Ishraque as mayor.
For several days, demonstrators had been gathered outside Nagar Bhaban, the city corporation’s headquarters, before relocating to Kakrail, where they plan an overnight protest.
The road in front of the Jamuna has been blocked with barricades. Water cannons have been placed in front. Police, BGB and law enforcement forces are on alert.
The election for the post of mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation was held on February 1, 2020. There were allegations of widespread irregularities and fraud in that election. BNP's candidate in the election was Ishraque Hossain.
After the mass uprising on August 5 last year, the government removed Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh from the post of mayor.
On March 27 this year, an election tribunal declared Ishraque Hossain the winner of the last city election. Then, the Election Commission published a gazette on April 27 declaring Ishraq as mayor. However, his swearing-in was blocked.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
