BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said the people had achieved a significant victory through the High Court’s verdict that cleared the way for Ishraque Hossain to take oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
“The High Court has delivered a verdict that upholds the rule of law. This is undoubtedly a victory for the people and for democracy,” he told UNB over the phone from Thailand.
Fakhrul alleged that the Awami League had rigged the DSCC mayoral election and forcefully seized the results. “At that time, the residents of Dhaka, along with the entire nation, had declared Ishraque Hossain as their mayor,” he said.
He urged the Ministry of Local Government to take immediate steps to arrange Ishraque’s swearing-in ceremony.
“I hope the ministry will act responsibly, without creating further complications, and will promptly facilitate Ishraque Hossain’s oath-taking to help ease the situation,” Fakhrul added.
Earlier in the day, the High Court dismissed a writ petition seeking to block the oath of office for BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as DSCC mayor, thus clearing the way for his swearing-in.
Fakhrul also called on BNP leaders, activists, and supporters to clear the streets following the court’s decision.
“Since the issue has been resolved in court and the people’s mandate has been acknowledged, there is no longer any need to continue blocking roads,” he said.
“We hope the government will act sensibly and ensure Ishraque’s swearing-in. Our supporters should now vacate the roads for the sake of public convenience.”
No alternative to election roadmap
Fakhrul urged the government to promptly announce a specific roadmap for the next national election to resolve the ongoing political crisis.
“We reiterate that the only way out of the current political deadlock is to announce a clear and timely election roadmap. There is no benefit in discussing anything else,” he asserted.
Emphasizing that reforms are a continuous process, the BNP leader said the proposals agreed upon by political parties under the National Consensus Commission framework should be formally announced and documented in a charter.
“Any excessive delays or overcomplications regarding the reform process will only make matters worse. That is why the people expect a roadmap to be announced soon, elections to be arranged, and the ongoing reform proposals, on which consensus has already been reached, to be implemented,” he noted.
Fakhrul added that reform proposals without consensus will remain part of a continuous dialogue within the framework of the charter.
Mirza Fakhrul traveled to Bangkok on May 14 for eye surgery.
A successful operation on his left eye was performed the following day at Rutnin Eye Hospital. He has since remained under close medical observation.
