BNP leader and engineer Ishraq Hossain has directed officials and employees of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) to fulfill their responsibilities to maintain cleanliness in the city during the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha. He gave these instructions via phone on Saturday afternoon during an ongoing protest by his supporters and the DSCC Workers’ Union, who are demanding Ishraq be sworn in as mayor.

Last Thursday, Ishraq Hossain issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the interim government after ending a sit-in program in front of the Jamuna building at Kakrail intersection. However, as the government failed to take steps to swear him in within the given time, Ishraq’s supporters continued their protest from Saturday morning, keeping the main gate and all entrances of Nagar Bhaban locked. The Workers’ Union staged demonstrations on the ground floor, and service-seeking citizens returned without receiving services.

During the sit-in program of the Workers’ Union, Ishraq delivered his instructions over the phone to former secretary Mashiur Rahman, coordinator of the group "Dhakabasi." Ishraq thanked everyone for their support and said, “As we had set a deadline for the government and Friday was a non-working day, no actions were taken. Today we will allow one more day. Everyone should complete their duties to ensure the citizens don’t suffer due to the government's negligence.”

He added, “When this so-called people’s government began injustice against me, despite claiming to fight inequality, all officials and employees of the city corporation stood by my side. If we stand together, no evil force can defeat us. I hope the reason behind your movement will be resolved soon.”

Ishraq emphasized the importance of maintaining a livable city after Eid: “We all have responsibilities to keep the city clean following the Qurbani Eid. Make sure no inconvenience occurs at Nagar Bhaban due to the government’s inaction. I believe your ongoing demands will be resolved soon.”

At the same time, Mashiur Rahman said, “The government has yet to initiate the swearing-in process of the people’s mayor, Ishraq Hossain. As a result, the Dhakabasi movement continues at Nagar Bhaban. If the process doesn’t begin today, the government will be held responsible for any consequences.”

He further stated, “Many from the so-called July People's Uprising government no longer uphold its original spirit. Former APS to the local government advisor, Moazzem, has been banned from leaving the country by the Anti-Corruption Commission. APS cannot commit corruption without the instruction of their superior. Perhaps one day, the advisor (Asif) will also face restrictions.”

Belayet Hossain Babu, general secretary of the Workers' Union, told People’s Time, “Despite the court’s ruling, the Ministry of Local Government has yet to initiate Ishraq Hossain’s swearing-in as mayor. Hence, the union continues its protest.”

Meanwhile, DSCC officials and employees who arrived at Nagar Bhaban today had to return again, as all gates remained locked. No one was allowed inside, except for trucks carrying cleaning supplies ahead of Eid. Some employees took refuge in the emergency operations room on the ground floor, where officials, including the city corporation secretary, were signing urgent files.

DSCC’s public relations officer Md. Russell Rahman said, “Like previous days, Nagar Bhaban remains locked today as well, which is disrupting our regular operations.”

Around 12 p.m. Saturday, Kamrul Islam from Lakshmibazar came to obtain his father's death certificate. He said, “I’ve come here three times this past week and had to leave each time. I thought it would be open today, but it’s still closed. One of my brothers came from abroad after our father passed away. We want to divide the inheritance with everyone present, but the movement is preventing that.”

Earlier, on May 14, Ishraq's supporters and BNP activists began a sit-in in front of Nagar Bhaban under the banner of "Dhakabasi."