Supporters of Ishraque Hossain have continued their sit-in protest in front of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters for the fourth consecutive day, demanding that he be officially handed over responsibilities as mayor.
The demonstrators have blocked the main gate of the city corporation building, preventing service seekers from entering the premises.
Since Sunday morning, the protesters, under the banner of " Dhakabashi," have gathered in front of the main entrance of the DSCC headquarters.
Supporters from various areas of the southern part of the city have arrived in processions and joined the ongoing protest, voicing their opposition to the delay in Ishraque Hossain’s oath-taking ceremony.
Saidur Rahman, a participant in the protest, said: “Engineer Ishraque has been elected mayor by the people’s vote. We want to see him take charge without further delay. How long will this matter remain unresolved? We ask the government—why has he not been sworn in yet? We will not leave the streets until the oath is administered. If there is any further delay, we will be compelled to announce larger programs.”
Rabeya Begum, another protestor, added, “Even though the gazette has been issued declaring Ishraque Hossain as mayor, he has not been sworn in. We will continue our movement until he is officially handed over the responsibilities of the mayor.”
Meanwhile, at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Saturday evening, Ishraque Hossain said: “The case was filed within 30 days of the election. Fazle Noor Taposh used his influence to obstruct the case. At the time, the court was under the control of the Awami League. However, we have now obtained a verdict after adhering to all legal procedures. Those who are now questioning the verdict are, in effect, committing contempt of court.”
The BNP leader further said that although 20 days have passed since the publication of the gazette, he has yet to be sworn in, adding: “We are fully prepared to take the oath.”
The election to the Dhaka South City Corporation was held on February 1, 2020.
Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh of the Awami League won by a margin of nearly 2,00,000 votes, defeating Ishraque Hossain.
However, on March 27, 2025, the tribunal annulled the 2020 election result declaring Taposh the winner and instead declared Ishraque Hossain the mayor.
Upon receiving the tribunal’s verdict, the Election Commission sought the opinion of the Ministry of Law on April 22 regarding the publication of the gazette.
