BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has said he and his supporters will remain on the streets until LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam resign from their posts.
Speaking to journalists while leading a sit-in in front of Kakrail mosque last midnight, Ishraque said, "We are not here for any verdict or to claim the mayor`s position. Whether tomorrow`s court verdict goes in our favour or not, it is not the main issue. From the beginning, we have said that we are here to expose the role of these political appointees inside this government, and they must resign immediately. That is our main and foremost demand."
He further said, "After that, the legal process will follow. If the court rules in my favour, I must be allowed to take the oath as mayor. If not, we will pursue further legal steps and move to the Appellate Division. But that is secondary. What matters the most is the government must understand that BNP will not accept any election under this so-called advisory council. Nor will the people. No fair and neutral election can be held under such conditions."
Ishraque`s supporters staged a sit-in in front of Kakrail mosque, chanting slogans demanding the resignation of the two advisers.
The protests continued into the morning, with BNP leaders and activists maintaining their positions in front of the mosque and the State Guest House Jamuna, calling for Ishraque to be allowed to take the oath as mayor.
Yesterday, Ishraque instructed his supporters to remain on the streets "for as long as necessary".
Around 7:30pm yesterday -- the seventh day of protests -- Ishraque himself joined the protests near Kakrail mosque and demanded the resignations of Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam.
His supporters have been demonstrating in front of Nagar Bhaban since May 14.
On March 27, the Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal declared Ishraque Hossain, a BNP Foreign Affairs Committee member, as the rightful mayor of DSCC. Following the verdict, the Election Commission published a gazette notification on April 27 officially recognising him as mayor.
The High Court is due to deliver its verdict later today on a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission`s decision to declare Ishraque Hossain as DSCC mayor.
Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday deferred until this morning the delivery of its verdict on a writ petition seeking a stay on the Election Commission`s decision to declare BNP-nominated Ishraque as DSCC mayor.
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