Ishraque assures essential services will remain uninterrupted during Nagar Bhaban protest

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain today declared that essential civic services at Nagar Bhaban would continue under the supervision of his supporters, who are protesting to demand his swearing-in as mayor. However, he stated that all development-related activities would remain halted.

Addressing the crowd in front of Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) headquarters, commonly known as Nagar Bhaban, Ishraque said, “We will make sure that emergency services, such as birth and death registrations, continue under our watch. But no development work will be allowed, and officials involved in those activities will not be permitted to enter the premises.”

He alleged that under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, the election results were rigged and the public mandate was robbed through fraudulent and unlawful means — a claim he said was now validated by a court verdict. Ishraque called on the government to act immediately, saying the ongoing protest aimed to restore voting rights and revive democracy.

"This peaceful demonstration will persist until the legitimate demands of the people are met,” he added.

Although the extended Eid holidays have ended and public and private offices have reopened, Nagar Bhaban remained shut as Ishraque’s supporters resumed their protest at 10:00am. Ishraque joined them around 11:15am. The sit-in, under the banner of “Dhaka Bashi,” began on May 14, with a large contingent of DSCC employees joining the protest the next day, effectively sealing off all access points and suspending operations at the building since then.