BNP Leader Ishraque Hossain Suspends Protest for 48 Hours

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain announced on Thursday that the ongoing protests demanding his oath as Dhaka South City Corporation mayor and the resignation of two student advisers in the interim government will be temporarily suspended for the next 48 hours. He made this declaration during a rally at the Kakrail intersection in Dhaka this afternoon.

The decision follows hours after Ishraque had urged protesters to stay on the streets, even after the High Court ruled in his favor, clearing the way for him to take the mayoral oath. The protesters had been demanding the resignation of the two student representatives involved with the current government, insisting their departure was crucial for the movement’s continuation.

“I want to inform everyone that today, the rule of law has prevailed through the court’s verdict. As a result, we are suspending the movement for now. But if the court’s verdict is not implemented immediately, we will besiege Jamuna, the residence of the chief adviser, again,” Ishraque said.

He emphasized that their primary demand remains the resignation of the two student advisers and stated that they would monitor the government’s actions for the next 24 to 48 hours. “If they do not resign within this period, we will take to the streets once more,” he added.

Expressing regret for any hardship caused by their protests, Ishraque apologized and said, “We apologize for the suffering caused by our programmes. But one day, the people will understand our cause. Our movement is not over yet.”

Ishraque credited BNP grassroots leaders, activists, and Dhaka residents for their role in securing this victory. “Dhaka dwellers have fought for their rights. Today, it’s not just me who has become mayor all of you have become mayors. This victory belongs to each of you.”

The High Court had earlier dismissed a writ petition challenging the Election Commission’s declaration of Ishraque Hossain as Dhaka South mayor. Justice Akram Chowdhury and Justice Debashish Rai Chowdhury’s bench delivered the verdict, allowing Ishraque to take his oath as mayor, according to his lawyers.