Supporters of BNP leader Engineer Ishraque Hossain staged a blockade at Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), on Monday (May 19), bringing all municipal services to a halt as they demanded his official declaration as mayor.

The protest, announced earlier by the group, began at 11:00 am and is scheduled to continue until 3:00 pm. 

This marks the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations led by activists of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated groups.

Hundreds of supporters gathered under the banner of 'Dhakabasi' — a citizens’ platform backing Ishraque — blocking the main entrance to Nagar Bhaban in Gulistan. 

Many of protesters chanted slogans, and carried placards and banners, while sound systems blared from trucks parked at the main gate, effectively shutting down access to the building.

As a result, all administrative and public services of the South City Corporation were suspended, leaving many residents who had travelled long distances for civic services disappointed and forced to return home.

The building’s main gate remained locked and office rooms were reportedly closed throughout the day.

The latest escalation follows an announcement made by former secretary Mashiur Rahman on Sunday (May 18), extending the ongoing sit-in that began on May 14. 

Protesters have since vowed to continue their movement until Ishraque officially takes office.

The controversy stems from the 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation election, in which Awami League candidate Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh defeated BNP’s Ishraque Hossain by over 250,000 votes. 

However, on March 27 this year, the Dhaka Election Tribunal annulled the results and declared Ishraque the elected mayor.

Subsequently, the Election Commission published a gazette notification on April 27 confirming Ishraque’s victory. 

Despite the legal and official endorsement, his swearing-in ceremony has yet to be held, prompting growing frustration among his supporters.

SMS/