The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has ruled that the Election Commission (EC) will determine whether BNP leader Ishraque Hossain can be sworn in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

A seven-member bench led by Chief Justice Dr Syed Refaat Ahmed made the observation on Thursday while disposing of a petition against Ishraque's oath-taking.

Ishraque was declared mayor by a lower court on March 27, overturning the 2020 DSCC election results that had favored Awami League’s Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh. 

The EC published a gazette declaring Ishraque as mayor on April 27.

However, a writ petition filed on May 14 led to the postponement of his swearing-in by the Local Government Ministry.

Protests continue at Nagar Bhaban, where BNP supporters demand Ishraque's immediate oath-taking, accusing authorities of denying their electoral mandate.

MN/