Ishraque accuses govt, holds meeting with DSCC staffers

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Ishraque Hossain has again accused the government of delaying his assumption of office as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

He termed the delay a politically-motivated attempt by the interim government to obstruct his right to be the DSCC mayor, and said the government has installed its own administrator for political gain.

The BNP leader made the allegations at a press briefing at the Nagar Bhaban on Monday.

"From the very beginning, I have mentioned that this is a purely political decision. The interim government has decided not to let me or any BNP candidate take office. Instead, the government has installed its preferred administrator to serve political interests, particularly to exploit illegal advantages in the upcoming national election," he said.

Ishraque Hossain further alleged that the government is ignoring the ongoing protests and has made no effort to initiate dialogue or resolve the matter.

He said following the Appellate Division's dismissal of a writ challenging his mayoral gazette, the existing DSCC administrator has "no legal standing".

"A parallel administration has been operating illegally (in DSCC). I've been elected (mayor) by the people, and my position has been legally reaffirmed by the courts."

"The government's imposition of an administrator is not only unlawful, but it has also led to corruption within the city corporation," he continued.

Earlier on the day, DSCC employees and BNP supporters under the banner of "Dhakabashi" staged a sit-in at the Nagar Bhaban, demanding that mayoral responsibilities be formally handed over to Ishraque.

The BNP leader visited Nagar Bhaban to outline how administrative operations and the protest could continue side by side.

"From the start of our movement, we've ensured uninterrupted delivery of essential services. With the recent surge in dengue cases, we remain committed to reinforcing mosquito control programme for safety of the Dhaka residents," he said at a meeting with officials and employees of the corporation's waste management department at the Nagar Bhaban conference room.

The banner, hung on the wall of the conference room, mentioned Ishraque Hossain as the 'honourable mayor' of DSCC. He was given wreaths and crests by many during the meeting.

Asked about the title 'mayor' in the banner, Ishraque replied, "We've exchanged views with the officials and employees of DSCC, who deliver services to people. I didn't organise the event myself."

"If some people invite me to an event and then address me as the mayor, that's their choice - not a claim I'm making for myself. This is people's demand, and it has been upheld by the highest court of Bangladesh."

"Those questioning the use of this title should educate themselves further. The gazette issued by the Election Commission clearly states that I have been declared the DSCC mayor."

Ishraque further said he held meetings with over 70 conservancy inspectors on Monday, and also has a plan to meet more than 70 ward secretaries on Tuesday (today).

He also declared resumption of the emergency civic services, including birth and death registrations, inheritance certificates and citizenship documentation at the ward offices.

The BNP leader mentioned that a "Mayor's Cell" has been established to monitor service delivery across all the wards.

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com