Ishraque writes to Local Government Division to ‘arrange’ his swearing-in as mayor

His supporters declare Advisor Asif “unwelcome” at Nagar Bhaban over oath delay

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has formally requested the Local Government Division to take the “necessary steps” for administering his oath as mayor of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Supporters of Ishraque—son of the late mayor of undivided Dhaka City Corporation Sadeque Hossain Khoka—have been demonstrating since Wednesday demanding he be handed the mayoral duties.

Since then, the DSCC Nagar Bhaban has remained practically inactive.

On Saturday, the protesters marched towards the Secretariat in a renewed push.

Following the demonstration, they declared Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain “unwelcome” at Nagar Bhaban.

That evening, Ishraque appeared at a press conference at the National Press Club and also sent a letter to the secretary of the Local Government Division.

In the letter, Ishraque said he had contested the Feb 1, 2020, DSCC election as the BNP candidate with the paddy sheaf symbol.

“From the announcement of the election schedule to the polling day, the Awami League’s candidate, Fazle Noor Taposh, violated electoral laws,” he added.

“He took control of the [electronic voting machines] and secured votes for the boat symbol.”

He alleged that Taposh’s victory was secured through collusion between the then Election Commission and the returning officer, with the gazette issued on Feb 4.

Ishraque challenged the result in the election tribunal, which on Mar 27 this year overturned the gazette and ruled in his favour.

“Though a considerable time has passed since the gazette was issued, no step has yet been taken to administer my oath as DSCC mayor,” the letter read.

“In light of legal obligations, I strongly urge the authorities to take the necessary measures without delay,” it added.