For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called on Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain to apologise for what he described as “offensive and insulting” remarks about recent demonstrations in Dhaka South.
On Wednesday, Ishraque said Asif had demeaned thousands of residents of Dhaka South by suggesting that a BNP leader from Cumilla instigated the protests led by Ishraque and that logistical and financial support had been provided from outside, according to bdnews24.com reports.
“Such remarks equate a spontaneous civic movement to a manipulated show orchestrated by external actors. This is a grave insult to the people of Dhaka who braved storms, rain, and extreme heat to demand their rights,” Ishraque said.
“Asif must apologise publicly to the citizens.”
He also accused Asif of arrogance, saying the adviser had portrayed himself as intellectually superior and had insulted both Ishraque and the broader BNP-led movement.
“He has mocked not just me, but the legacy of a party that existed before he was even born.”
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Club, Ishraque challenged Asif to present evidence of his claims.
“He must either place these so-called proofs before the nation or offer a public apology. His vague and misleading remarks suggest he is either lying or unfit to run the Local Government Division.”
The BNP leader also took issue with Asif’s claim that Ishraque was used by a faction of the BNP that had fallen out with the government, calling it “baseless and defamatory”.
He also criticised the allegation that Ishraque had arrogantly rejected an offer to become an administrator under the interim government.
“For an elected representative, such an offer is insulting, and I rejected it humbly,” he said.
Referring to Asif’s reported statement that the government would not recognise certain elections, Ishraque questioned its legality: “Which elections have been officially declared void? None.
“That implies this interim government is refusing to acknowledge a Supreme Court-upheld gazette, bordering on contempt of court.”
Citing irregular appointments, Ishraque alleged that people affiliated with the National Citizen Party (NCP) were appointed as ward secretaries without any legal recruitment process.
“These illegal appointments must be investigated, and the full list of such appointees must be made public,” he demanded.
He further alleged that a group of corrupt officials close to the adviser orchestrated efforts to suppress the protest movement inside the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) headquarters.
“Some of them claim to be BNP sympathisers, but they held no positions within the party and were involved in large-scale corruption under former Awami League mayors.”
Ishraque specifically named Golam Kibaria Rubel, a DSCC official, accusing him of plotting to kill Ishraque and several other demonstrators with the help of a top-listed criminal.
“Rubel, notorious in the engineering division, was never part of the movement. He falsely claimed BNP affiliation while using his position for illicit financial gain, allegedly helping both NCP operatives and some political figures.”
Ishraque warned the adviser not to take retaliatory measures against any DSCC officials or staff who participated in the protest.
“Any such action will reignite the movement, this time beyond the gates of Nagar Bhaban and into the streets.”
The conflict stems from the disputed result of the 2020 Dhaka South mayoral election. Ishraque, who lost to Awami League’s Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh by nearly 200,000 votes, but was later declared the rightful winner by the Election Tribunal in March.
The Election Commission issued a gazette declaring him mayor on Apr 27, but the Local Government Division has since delayed his swearing-in, citing legal complications.
In response, Ishraque’s supporters, under the banner “Dhakabasi”, launched a sit-in protest in front of the DSCC headquarters on May 14. Joined by the DSCC employees’ union, they locked the main gates and offices, bringing all administrative operations to a halt.
Despite a break during Eid-ul-Azha, protests resumed afterwards.
Amid the stalemate, Ishraque declared he would oversee emergency services such as birth registrations, asserting his mayoral authority. On Jun 23, he said the staff had ended their work stoppage to restore public services while continuing symbolic protests.
He alleged the government had tried to obstruct basic services to discredit the movement and shift blame.
“We’ve reopened the DSCC to serve the people, but our protest will continue in a limited, peaceful form until our demands are met.”