Ishraque postpones protests following High Court verdict

NN Online:

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain on Thursday announced the postponement of his ongoing protest programme after the High Court cleared the way for him to take oath as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Speaking at Kakrail intersection, Ishraque said, “After hearing today’s High Court verdict, our party has decided to suspend the sit-in for now. We will closely observe the government’s actions over the next 24 to 48 hours. Based on that, further instructions will be given.”

He thanked supporters for their participation in the movement and said the decision was made in consideration of public suffering. However, he reiterated his demand for the full implementation of the court’s verdict and made it clear that the call for the resignation of two interim government advisers remains unchanged.

Earlier, Ishraque’s supporters pledged to continue their street protests until LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam resigned.

Reacting to the court decision, which removed legal barriers to his assumption of office, Ishraque had posted on Facebook: “Until we hear of the resignation of the two student advisers, the protests will continue. Don’t leave the streets — intensify the movement.”

Despite heavy rain, hundreds of his supporters gathered at Matsya Bhaban intersection in Dhaka, maintaining their sit-in. Another rally erupted near Kakrail Mosque, where jubilant BNP activists broke into cheers upon hearing the verdict.

Chants of “News just came in — Ishraque is now mayor” and “Victory belongs to the people” echoed through the crowd, who hailed the ruling as a significant first step toward justice.