Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain once again blockaded Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), on Sunday (June 1), demanding his immediate swearing-in as mayor. 

The protest has brought all civic services to a halt.

From early morning, BNP activists began arriving in the capital from various areas, braving heavy rain to join a sit-in at the Nagar Bhaban premises. 

Chanting slogans, the demonstrators took position under the main building, effectively sealing off the city hall.

All entry points, including the main gate, were locked by the protesters, preventing public access. 

As a result, essential services—such as trade licence renewal, birth and death registration, and holding tax payment—have been suspended. DSCC workers and employees also remain on strike in solidarity.

“We paused our movement for two days due to the national mourning around the martyrdom anniversary of President Ziaur Rahman,” said a protester. “But we have resumed it, and it will continue until Ishraque Hossain is sworn in.”

Rabiul Alam Dipu, president of Kadamtali Ward 52 BNP, led over a hundred activists to join the protest. “Ishraque is the people's mayor. The government is dishonouring the court and denying justice,” he told Banglanews.

Ishraque supporters have been staging sit-ins and work stoppages since May 14, demanding implementation of a court verdict that declared him mayor. 

The Election Commission issued a gazette notification confirming his post on April 27, following a ruling by the Dhaka 1st Joint District Judge’s Court on March 27. However, the Local Government Ministry has yet to act on it.

On May 29, the Appellate Division dismissed Ishraque’s appeal regarding the oath delay, further intensifying the protest. 

Addressing supporters that day, Ishraque called on the interim government to “immediately honour the High Court’s verdict and arrange the swearing-in. This is your last chance.”

SMS/