DE News Desk :
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Ishraque Hossain on Thursday announced a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate implementation of a High Court verdict that cleared the way for him to be sworn in as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
The announcement came hours after the High Court rejected a legal challenge against Ishraque’s appointment, removing the final legal barrier to his oath-taking.
Addressing supporters near the State Guest House Jamuna — the official residence of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus — Ishraque declared a temporary suspension of the ongoing protests but warned of renewed agitation if the court order was not executed promptly.
“We are calling off the protest for now, but will observe the government’s response over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the order is not implemented, we will return to the streets and surround Jamuna again,” Ishraque said at a press briefing at around 4:30 PM.
Earlier in the day, in a Facebook post around 1:00 PM, Ishraque had urged protesters to intensify their demonstrations and called for the resignation of two advisers — Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain (Local Government) and Md Mahfuj Alam (Information and Broadcasting) — accusing them of political bias and involvement with a newly formed party.
“Even if my oath is administered, our demand for the resignation of these student leaders-turned-advisers will remain unchanged,” Ishraque said, while also expressing openness to a negotiated settlement.
The High Court bench comprising Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury dismissed the writ petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mamunur Rashid, ruling that the petitioner lacked legal standing as he had not contested the 2020 DSCC elections.
“The legal proceedings that delayed the implementation are hereby condoned for future appeals,” the court observed.
BNP-aligned lawyer Kayser Kamal later confirmed there were now no legal barriers to Ishraque’s oath-taking, and failure to comply with the verdict would constitute contempt of court.
Meanwhile, petitioner’s lawyer Mohammad Hossain stated his client would appeal the ruling.
Another counsel, Zahirul Islam Musa — affiliated with the National Citizen Party (NCP) — warned that the matter would remain sub judice upon appeal, and the Local Government Division should hold off on administering the oath.
Zahirul also alleged attempts by Ishraque’s legal team to pressure the court, including “intimidating comments” and “unethical lobbying” during the hearing.
He claimed this created an “unfortunate” and “hostile” courtroom environment.
The political standoff follows a months-long legal and administrative tug-of-war.
The Election Tribunal had declared Ishraque the rightful winner of the 2020 DSCC mayoral race on March 27.
A gazette notification confirming his victory was issued by the Election Commission on April 27.
The interim government — installed after the August 2024 uprising that unseated the Awami League — had suspended elected mayors, including Taposh, and replaced them with bureaucrats.
Ishraque’s legal battle has since become symbolic of broader political shifts in post-uprising Bangladesh.
Hundreds of BNP supporters had taken to the streets since May 15, demanding the implementation of the court ruling and the resignation of key advisers.
Protests led to traffic disruptions across central Dhaka, with demonstrators staging sit-ins at key locations including Nagar Bhaban, Kakrail, and Matsya Bhaban.
Reacting to the developments, NCP leaders questioned the legitimacy of the protest tactics.
“If High Court rulings are enforced by mobs, what’s the point of having a judiciary?” asked Md Sarjis Alam, the party’s northern region organiser, in a Facebook post.
Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s southern region organiser, echoed similar concerns, criticizing demands for the resignation of student leaders who helped lead the August uprising and now serve as government advisers.
As tensions simmer, all eyes are on the interim administration’s next steps amid mounting political and legal pressure.