Ishraque’s supporters rejoice after HC verdict

The High Court rejected the writ petition that sought a stay on BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from taking the oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Now there is no legal bar for Ishraque Hossain to take oath as mayor.

An HC bench of Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury issued the order after concluding the hearing on the petition on Thursday (May 22).

Following the verdict, Ishraque’s supporters took to the streets to celebrate the auspicious moment. They are holding joyous processions in various places in the capital including Kakrail, Gulistan, Paltan, Mugda, Jatrabari. These areas are buzzing with various slogans on behalf of Ishraque.

Participating in the joyous procession, Khademur Rahman, former vice-president of the Wari branch of the Bangladesh Chhatra Dal, said, “We only wanted justice. Finally, the court gave verdict in favour of the truth. Now there is no legal bar for Ishraque Hossain to take oath as mayor This is a victory for democracy.”

Paltan’s Jubo Dal leader Md Shakib said, “We have been standing in front of the Nagar Bhaban for eighth consecutive day. We have held a peaceful sit-in. Today we are witnessing the successful outcome of that protest. This verdict has proven the legitimacy of our demand.”

Earlier on May 14, a writ petition was filed by Md Mamunur Rashid, a resident of DSCC area, with the High Court seeking its directive to prevent BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from taking oath as the mayor of DSCC.

The writ also sought action against the Judge of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal for giving a fraudulent judgment by declaring Ishraque as mayor.

Earlier on March 27, Judge of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Md Nurul Islam cancelled the results of the 2020 DSCC election and announced BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor.

Later on April 27, the EC issued a gazette notification declaring him as mayor.

On April 28, two Dhaka residents, including writ petitioner Mamunur Rashid, sent legal notices to the authorities concerned to appeal or review the verdict and decree given by the Election Tribunal declaring Ishraque as mayor.

The notice also asked to refrain from publishing gazettes in the name of Ishraque and administering oaths to him.