Abdus Salam, adviser to the BNP chairperson, has called upon the government to hand over the mayoral responsibilities of Dhaka South City Corporation to Ishraque Hossain by Wednesday.
Salam voiced the demand on Wednesday during a sit-in program organized by the "Bangladesh Professionals' Alliance" in front of the National Press Club, demanding that Ishraque be officially installed as mayor.
“For the past seven days, leaders at various levels of Dhaka metropolitan BNP have been protesting for Ishraque Hossain to be given the responsibilities of mayor. I want to ask the government—why are you pushing the country toward uncertainty? Will this government fail because of one or two advisers? The court has given its verdict, and the Election Commission has published the gazette. So, if Ishraque now assumes the mayor's office, whose interests will be harmed?
"I hope the government does not want instability before the election. We also do not want this government to fail, because that would plunge the country into darkness again. That is why we have stayed silent despite everything.”
He continued: “Many people criticize the BNP, and we do not mind. We believe in the rule of law. The gazette issued by the Election Commission has not been annulled—then why is Ishraque not being handed over the mayor’s position? I say this: Ishraque Hossain must be given mayoral responsibilities by the end of today.”
Speaking on other matters, Salam said: “The conspiracy to lease Chittagong port to a foreign company is a betrayal of the nation. Moreover, the idea of creating a humanitarian corridor for the Rohingyas is a threat to the sovereignty of our country. I warn the government not to take such steps. If they do, we will take to the streets in protest.”
Addressing Dr Muhammad Yunus, he said: “You want to hand over the port to a foreign company—is that your father’s property? Sheikh Hasina once wanted to do the same. So, are you trying to complete Sheikh Hasina’s unfinished work? We will not allow that to happen. It has been nine months, and there are still no signs of progress. You say there is no national consensus—well, there never will be complete consensus.
"Arrange the elections with the agreements that have already been made.”
