BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has demanded the immediate resignation of individuals in the interim government who, instead of remaining neutral, are acting as representatives of a particular political party, emphasizing that such biased conduct undermines democratic principles and urges accountability from those involved.
Ishraque made his comment in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday.
A continuous sit-in demonstration is underway in front of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters, Nagar Bhaban, demanding that BNP leader Ishraque Hossain be formally handed over the responsibilities as mayor.
His supporters staged protests and sit-ins before Nagar Bhaban for the fifth day on Monday.
Under the banner of "Dhakabashi," which translates to residents of Dhaka, his supporters locked the main gate of Nagar Bhaban again.
They alleged that Ishraque has been prevented from taking the oath of office despite a court verdict and a gazette notification from the Election Commission, due to the interference of Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.
Amid the protest, Ishraque also commented on "certain individuals" within the interim government, saying that their efforts to prevent a BNP mayor from taking office in Dhaka clearly indicate what role they intend to play in the upcoming national election.
In his Facebook post addressing the ongoing movement, Ishraque said that becoming mayor was never his primary goal.
Rather, the aim was to expose the lust for power harbored by certain individuals within the interim government and their desire to perpetuate that power, he said.
“I have endured heavy criticism and even verbal abuse targeting my parents,” he wrote.
He added: “I did so in silence—because it is imperative to unmask them for the sake of democracy and the people’s right to vote.
“There can be no compromise. Those who have not only abandoned neutrality but acted as representatives of a political party must resign immediately.”
He accused these individuals of threatening judges, challenging the Election Commission, interfering in the higher judiciary and conspiring alongside partisan bureaucrats.
There will be no concession when it comes to democracy and the people's right to vote, Ishraque added.
