BNP’s Ishraque to Become ‘One-Month Mayor’ Under Alleged Undemocratic Government

Staff Reporter

The Election Commission (EC) on Sunday published a gazette declaring BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, following advice from the Ministry of Law.

A copy of the gazette will be sent to the Local Government Division for further steps regarding the new mayor’s oath-taking ceremony.

Meanwhile, opposition parties, including Ishraque, have labeled the government under Sheikh Hasina as “undemocratic” following the controversial election.

However, the court’s decision to overturn the election results and declare Ishraque Hossain as mayor is being seen as a clear setback, where figures linked to undemocratic forces are now assuming office under judicial orders.

The elections for Dhaka North and South City Corporations were held on February 1, 2020. In Dhaka South, Awami League’s Fazle Noor Tapas secured over 400,000 votes under the “boat” symbol, while BNP’s Ishraque Hossain received 236,000 votes under the “sheaf of paddy” symbol. Allegations of widespread vote rigging emerged, prompting Ishraque to challenge the results in court on March 3, 2020.

On March 3, Dhaka’s First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Judge Md. Nurul Islam nullified Fazle Noor Tapas’s victory and declared Ishraque Hossain the new mayor.

The first session of Dhaka South City Corporation was held on May 21, 2020, and as the current term expires on May 20, a new administrator may be appointed as per law. Following the court verdict, Ishraque stated that his decision to take the oath would depend on his party’s stance.

Earlier, following a similar court ruling, BNP leader Shahadat Hossain became mayor of Chattogram City Corporation on November 3, though the corporation’s term lasts until March next year.

City mayors are traditionally sworn in by the head of government. If followed, Dr. Muhammad Yunus would administer Ishraque’s oath. However, the exact date remains uncertain. Even if sworn in, it is unclear whether Ishraque can retain the position after May 20, when the corporation’s term ends.