Followers of Ishraque Hossain declared Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan persona non grata at the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters.
For the third consecutive day, residents of Dhaka South City have been staging a sit-in in front of Nagar Bhaban, protesting the delay in handing over mayoral responsibilities to Ishraque Hossain, despite a High Court ruling and an official gazette notification.
At 10am, thousands of angry demonstrators gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban. A protest march was held, starting from Nagar Bhaban, proceeding through the Secretariat and the National Press Club, and ending back at Nagar Bhaban.
Later, at a rally in front of the building, former senior secretary Mashiur Rahman announced on behalf of the protestors that the demonstration would continue on Sunday as well.
In addition to Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, the protesters also declared his secretary, Rezaul Maqsood Zahedi, unwelcome at Nagar Bhaban. They issued a warning that both individuals would be resisted wherever they are found.
Protesters in front of Nagar Bhaban stated that no arrangements have yet been made for Ishraque Hossain to take the oath of office. “That’s why we protested yesterday demanding that Ishraque be handed over the mayor’s responsibilities,” they said.
Participating in the peaceful sit-in, city residents emphasized that, according to the court’s verdict and the Election Commission’s gazette, Ishraque Hossain is the legitimate mayor. They are demanding an explanation as to why he has not yet been sworn in.
They also said that to build a clean, mosquito-free, and corruption-free Dhaka, a citizen-focused mayor like Ishraque Hossain is essential.
The protesters warned that they will continue their movement in front of Nagar Bhaban until Ishraque is sworn in. If necessary, they said, they will announce even tougher programs.
