Ishraq declared mayor: Local Government Department letter seeking opinion from Law Ministry

The Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives has sought legal clarification from the Law and Justice Division regarding the mayoral appointment of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain in the 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election.

This follows the Election Commission's (EC) decision not to appeal the Election Tribunal's verdict declaring Ishraque as the rightful mayor, according to llocal agency.

On March 27, 2025, the Election Tribunal annulled the 2020 DSCC election results, which had declared Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as mayor, and instead pronounced Ishraque Hossain the winner. Subsequently, the EC published a gazette notification on April 27, 2025, officially declaring Ishraque as mayor, citing the need to comply with the court's directive within a stipulated timeframe, despite not receiving an opinion from the Law Ministry. 

In a letter signed by Joint Secretary Mahbuba Irene, the Local Government Division has requested the Law and Justice Division to provide an opinion on whether there are any legal complications in proceeding with the necessary steps under Section 6 of the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009, given the EC's decision not to appeal the tribunal's verdict.

The situation has led to public demonstrations, with supporters demanding Ishraque's immediate swearing-in as mayor. Despite the court's verdict and the EC's gazette notification, Ishraque has not yet been administered the oath of office, prompting further legal and administrative scrutiny.