Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain have continued their protest for seven consecutive days, demanding that he be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
As part of their ongoing movement, the demonstrators have now shifted their sit-in from Nagar Bhaban to the area in front of Matsya Bhaban.
On Wednesday, May 21, protestors began gathering from early morning at key points including the High Court gate, the Press Club, and Shikkha Bhaban intersection.
They raised slogans and created a charged atmosphere, eventually assembling in front of Matsya Bhaban and blocking surrounding roads.
In contrast, the area around Nagar Bhaban appeared empty, with no activists present.
The temporary stage that had been set up in front of Nagar Bhaban was also dismantled. A few remaining workers stated they were heading toward Matsya Bhaban as well.
The protesters said a court ruling on a writ petition regarding Ishraque’s mayoral position is expected at 12 PM.
If no decision is made to officially hand over mayoral responsibilities to Ishraque Hossain, they warned of announcing even tougher programs.
On Tuesday afternoon (May 20), former secretary Mashiur Rahman declared from the temporary stage in front of Nagar Bhaban that they would wait until 10 AM Wednesday for a decision.
If none is made, they would gather again and intensify their movement.
The DSCC mayoral election was held on February 1, 2020, and was marred by widespread allegations of rigging and irregularities.
Despite this, the Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh was declared the winner. Ishraque Hossain contested as the BNP candidate.
Following the fall of the Awami League government during last year`s mass uprising, an electoral tribunal on March 27 of this year declared Ishraque Hossain the rightful winner of that election.
The Election Commission (EC) then issued an official gazette announcing Ishraque as mayor on April 27.
