In continuation of a five-day-long protest, demonstrators demanding the handover of mayoral responsibilities to BNP leader Ishraque Hossain initiated a blockade of the Nagar Bhaban on Monday, bringing all administrative and service activities to a halt.
Since Monday morning, the protesters have been carrying out the blockade at the DSCC’s Nagar Bhaban.
From early in the day, groups of demonstrators arrived at the site in small processions from various parts of the city, assembling under the banner of "Dhakabashi".
The blockade has severely disrupted the delivery of services at the Nagar Bhaban.
The demonstrators, who are stationed at the main gate, stated that despite the court’s verdict and the publication of the gazette by the Election Commission, no steps have been taken to administer the oath of office to Ishraque Hossain.
They affirmed their determination to continue the movement until their demand is met.
Delwar Hossain, a resident of Dhaka South, told Bangla Tribune: “We will continue our protest in front of the Nagar Bhaban until the people's mayor, Engineer Ishraque Hossain, is sworn into office. If necessary, we will announce even stricter programs. If the oath is not administered, we will declare a hunger strike unto death.”
Meanwhile, Monday marks the fifth consecutive day of protest in front of the Nagar Bhaban.
As a result, service seekers have once again been denied access to the building.
Many who arrived to avail services have had to return empty-handed.
Iqbal Hossain, a resident of Old Dhaka, told Bangla Tribune: “The demands of the protesters are legitimate. However, because of them, we are being deprived of essential services. My family and I are scheduled to travel abroad soon, but there’s a complication regarding my younger daughter's birth registration. Despite repeated attempts over the past three days, we have been unable to resolve the issue.”
