Ishraque Hossain Demands Resignation of Local Government Adviser Over Delay in Mayoral Oath

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has called for the resignation of Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Local Government Division, accusing him of obstructing the process of taking charge as Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). He claimed that the adviser has "lost his moral standing and violated his oath" by spreading "false and misleading" information through the media.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Nagar Bhaban around 12:30 PM today (Tuesday), Ishraque said, “We expected the adviser to show respect to both the people and the court’s verdict. Instead, he is attempting to mislead the public.”

He stated that the Election Tribunal annulled the previous gazette and ordered the issuance of a new one declaring him mayor. Following this, the Election Commission published the revised gazette on April 27 and forwarded it to the Local Government Division. “At this point, the sole responsibility of the Local Government Division is to organize the oath-taking ceremony,” Ishraque said. “But instead, various excuses are being made to delay the process.”

On Monday, adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan stated that the oath could not be administered because the validity of the gazette had expired. Dismissing this as “legally baseless and misleading,” Ishraque said, “If that were true, no elected representative would be able to take oath in the future.”

From 11 AM today, supporters of Ishraque and DSCC employees staged a protest in the Nagar Bhaban premises, continuing their previously announced program until 1 PM. Notably, his supporters under the banner of ‘Dhakabashi’ have been holding a sit-in since May 14 and have locked all gates of Nagar Bhaban since May 15—a blockade that still remains in effect.

Despite the gazette being issued, Ishraque has yet to take formal charge as mayor. However, he remains active within the city corporation building. Today, he held a meeting with secretaries from all 70 wards, and the day before, he met with cleanliness inspectors.

Analysts observe that the delay in organizing the oath ceremony—despite the court’s directive—is being caused by bureaucratic complications and possible political interference. They warn that this has led to administrative stagnation and is disrupting essential city services for the residents of Dhaka.