Supporters Threaten Stricter Action if Ishraq is Not Sworn in as Mayor Within 24 Hours

Staff Reporter

Dhaka, May 26, 2025: Supporters and a significant portion of workers from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) have threatened stricter action if Engineer Ishraq Hossain is not sworn in as mayor within the next 24 hours.

The announcement was made during an ongoing sit-in protest in front of Nagar Bhaban’s main gate by the protesters’ chief coordinator and former secretary, Mashiur Rahman. He stated, “We had already issued a 48-hour ultimatum. Half the time has passed without any progress. If Ishraq Hossain is not sworn in within the next 24 hours, we will escalate our movement.”

He also mentioned that, except for emergency cleaning operations, other DSCC services would remain suspended during the protest. Cleaning staff, however, will continue their duties.

Citizens arriving at Nagar Bhaban faced inconvenience due to locked gates, halting services such as trade license renewals, birth and death registrations, and holding tax payments. Protesters chanted slogans such as “One demand, no office without the mayor” and “No delay in the oath-taking.”

Belayet Hossain, General Secretary of the Workers and Employees Union, remarked, “Despite two court orders, Ishraq Hossain has not been allowed to take the oath. This is primarily due to unethical interference from the Local Government Ministry’s adviser.”

The protest, ongoing since May 14 in various stages, resumed today after a 48-hour ultimatum issued yesterday.