Ishraque’s supporters continue protests demanding two advisers’ resignation

Although the High Court on Thursday cleared the way for BNP leader Ishraque Hossain’s swearing-in as mayor, his supporters continued protests demanding the resignation of two advisers as called for by Ishraque.

The demonstrators vowed to remain on the streets until two the advisers to the interim government — LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam — step down.

Following the court verdict, which removed legal barriers to his assumption of office, Ishraque took to Facebook and wrote, “Until we hear the resignation of the two student advisers, the protests will continue. Don’t leave the streets—intensify the movement.”

Hundreds of his supporters braved heavy rain to maintain their sit-in at the Matsya Bhaban intersection in the capital.

Another rally took place near Kakrail Mosque, where BNP activists burst into cheers upon hearing the court’s decision.

Chanting slogans such as “News just came in — Ishraq is now mayor” and “Victory belongs to people,” they celebrated what they termed the ‘first step’ towards justice.

Earlier on Wednesday evening, Ishraque joined the ongoing sit-in at Kakrail and declared that protests would not end until he officially assumes office and the two advisers resign. “I will not accept anything less than what people voted for,” he said.

In the February 1, 2020 election, Ishraque,  a member of BNP’s international affairs committee and son of late Dhaka city mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka,  lost to Awami League’s Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh by nearly 200,000 votes.

On March 27 this year, the Dhaka Election Tribunal annulled the 2020 results and declared Ishraque the mayor.

A gazette confirming the decision was issued by the Election Commission on April 27.

On May 14, Supreme Court lawyer Mamunur Rashid filed a writ petition seeking to bar Ishraque from taking the oath.

That same day, Ishraque’s supporters began demonstrations outside Nagar Bhaban, paralysing City Corporation activities.

The Local Government Division has so far refrained from arranging the swearing-in ceremony.

As of Thursday evening, protesters remained on the streets, vowing to continue their movements until their all demands are met.