BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has committed a “criminal offense” by participating in various meetings of administrative officials and employees at the Dhaka South City Corporation without officially taking the oath as mayor.
This statement made by Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. In an interview with BBC Bangla on Tuesday, June 17, Advisor Asif expressed serious concerns over Ishraque Hossain’s unauthorized involvement in city administrative affairs.
Citing obstruction of public service delivery, the advisor alleged that Ishraque had taken over the meeting halls and offices at the Nagar Bhaban (City Hall), thereby hampering the corporation’s service to citizens. “Ishraque Hossain has no legal authority to conduct administrative activities,” said Asif Mahmud. “If the current situation continues, public services may be disrupted entirely.”
While emphasizing the government’s willingness to maintain amicable relations with BNP and other opposition parties, Asif added, “The government is demonstrating patience. But Ishraque Hossain has not officially taken any responsibility. If his interference continues to worsen, we may be compelled to take strict legal action.”
In one such recent meeting held at Nagar Bhaban, a banner was displayed reading:
“Discussion meeting with administrative officials and ward secretaries to ensure citizen services at the ward level. Chief Guest: Engineer Ishraque Hossain. Honorable Mayor, Dhaka South City Corporation.”
When asked whether the interim government would take any legal action against this alleged criminal offense, Asif replied that the matter was still under consideration.
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For the past two days, Ishraque Hossain has been seen actively participating in multiple meetings with administrative officials inside Nagar Bhaban. Notably, the banners at these events identify him as the “Honorable Mayor” even though he has not been sworn into office. These meetings are being held in the auditorium within the official DSCC premises.
Legal and administrative experts have raised concerns over the legitimacy of these actions. They question whether a political leader can perform the mayor’s duties without taking the constitutional oath.
Former Local Government Secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan told BBC Bangla, “If this situation continues, it will lead to administrative paralysis in the city corporation. There must be a legal understanding between the Local Government Ministry and Ishraque Hossain.”
Meanwhile, a faction of DSCC Employees’ Union and supporters of Ishraque Hossain have been staging a sit-in outside the Nagar Bhaban, demanding that he be allowed to assume mayoral duties.
Protesters claim that despite two court rulings in his favor, Ishraque has still not been allowed to take the oath. They blame Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan for obstructing the swearing-in process, accusing him of abusing his authority.
