Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain continued their protests, laying siege to Nagar Bhaban for the fourth straight day and keeping it locked for the second consecutive day on Sunday, effectively halting all administrative activities and public services of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
On Sunday morning, protesters once again gathered at the main gate of Nagar Bhaban, chanting slogans such as “We want Ishraque to be sworn in” and “Ishraque is our mayor.” They blocked access to the building, preventing service seekers and employees from entering.
Demonstrators have vowed to continue their blockade until Ishraque is officially sworn in as mayor. They warned that if the government fails to take action soon, they will escalate their movement with larger rallies in the capital.
The unrest began last Thursday, following frustration over the delay in administering the oath to Ishraque Hossain, despite the Election Commission publishing a gazette on April 22 confirming his victory in the mayoral by-election.
The delay has sparked outrage among BNP activists, who claim the government is obstructing the legal process to keep the post under ruling party influence.
At a press conference on Saturday, Ishraque accused former mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh of using his political connections to stall the swearing-in. “The court has declared me valid. Those who oppose it are disrespecting the judiciary,” he said, referring to a recent tribunal ruling in his favour.
Despite the official announcement of his election, no official oath-taking ceremony has been scheduled. The government has not yet issued a formal statement explaining the delay, further fuelling suspicions and discontent among his supporters.
As of Sunday, the situation at Nagar Bhaban remains tense, with services at a standstill and increasing pressure on authorities to resolve the impasse.