BNP leader and member of the party’s International Affairs Committee, Ishraque Hossain, has urged Local Government Ministry Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan to restrain his rhetoric and refrain from disrupting the current calm at Nagar Bhaban (City Hall).
He cautioned that if provocative actions continue, the movement demanding his swearing-in as mayor could spill from Nagar Bhaban onto the streets.
Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Ishraque said, “I hope Asif Mahmud will control his statements and avoid disturbing the present stability at Nagar Bhaban. If any retaliatory actions are taken against protestors, the movement will escalate beyond Nagar Bhaban.”
His warning comes a day after clashes broke out at Nagar Bhaban on Tuesday afternoon during demonstrations demanding his official swearing-in. Several individuals were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
According to Ishraque, pro-government elements led by Golam Kibria Rubel, a city official, and Arifuzzaman Prince, an employee, attacked BNP demonstrators using hired goons. He alleged that both individuals acted in coordination with Advisor Asif Mahmud.
Ishraque further claimed that Tuesday’s attack was orchestrated by corrupt officials close to the advisor, some of whom falsely present themselves as affiliated with the BNP but hold no official party position.
He singled out Rubel, accusing him of being deeply involved in corruption and acting as an enforcer since Asif Mahmud assumed his advisory role.
Refuting suggestions that government pressure ended the ongoing service strike at City Hall, Ishraque stated that the resumption of services was at his own request to alleviate public hardship.
He emphasized that there was no connection to any intimidation or external interference from the authorities.
He accused the advisor and secretary of instructing regional officials to withhold basic civic documents—such as birth, death, citizenship, and inheritance certificates—in an effort to frustrate citizens and blame the protestors.
“To counter this conspiracy and ensure public services resumed, the strike was lifted and regional offices reopened,” said Ishraque.
Despite the resumed operations, Ishraque clarified that demonstrators would continue their movement in a symbolic manner, avoiding disruption of services. They plan to hold programs at specific times and locations to press their demand without hindering public access to services.
