Ishraque Hossain has demanded that three former chief election commissioners be brought to trial following a court ruling in his favour regarding the results of the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) election.
"They were constitutionally empowered to work independently, without any external influence. But they failed in their duties. A judicial process should begin against them," he said.
The three former CECs he referred to are KM Nurul Huda, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, and Kazi Habibul Awal.
Their commissions oversaw three disputed elections under the Awami League government.
During the DSCC election on Feb 1, 2020, Nurul Huda served as the CEC.
Ishraque contested the mayoral race but lost.
The Awami League’s Fazle Noor Taposh was elected mayor with over 400,000 votes, while Ishraque, the BNP candidate, secured 236,000 votes.
Citing irregularities and corruption, Ishraque filed a case on Mar 3, 2020, seeking to have the results annulled.
After five years, against the backdrop of a change in power, the Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Electoral Tribunal’s Judge Md Nurul Islam delivered the verdict on Thursday.
The court’s ruling annulled the government-issued gazette declaring Taposh as mayor and instead declared BNP’s Ishraque the rightful winner.
Ishraque, a BNP International Affairs Committee member and son of former mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka, was present in court when the verdict was announced.
Expressing his immediate reaction, he said: "I thank Almighty Allah. I have received justice. Whether I assume office as mayor or take an oath is entirely a party decision."
Highlighting his allegations regarding the 2020 election, he said: "The entire nation witnessed broad daylight vote rigging. From the beginning, we had complained about obstacles in our campaign. BNP councillor candidates were arrested without cause."
"Our processions were attacked. Many activists were beaten and left bleeding. On election day, when journalists visited polling stations with us, they found centres had not opened even by 9:30am. Some stations were open for just over an hour before they were shut again," he said.
"Through massive fraud, my actual vote count was manipulated. Throughout the day, they fabricated figures to inflate their votes. That’s why we went to court at the time, and today, the court has delivered its verdict," he added.
Calling the ruling a victory for justice, he added: "Justice must be restored in Bangladesh. Every citizen should have access to fair trials. This judicial process that began after the fall of the murderous, autocratic, fascist Hasina (Sheikh Hasina) must continue. Our ultimate goal is to ensure justice at all levels."
When asked about other elections, Ishraque said: "I will not comment on any other election. I fought this particular legal battle. The case was dragged out through legal complications. Hasina’s nephew, Taposh, personally interfered in court to obstruct the proceedings."
"After 5th of August, we pursued the legal process, presented all evidence and testimonies, and fought the case—ultimately winning. It is not my place to comment on other elections."
Regarding the election commissions of the past, he said: "The Nurul Commission, the Huda Commission, and the Awal Commission all played roles in destroying democracy in Bangladesh and establishing a fascist regime. Those holding constitutional positions must be held accountable."
Ishraque arrived at the court around 2pm on Thursday, accompanied by BNP leaders and activists, ahead of the ruling.
At around 3pm, the verdict was announced.
His supporters erupted in celebration, chanting slogans and placing flower garlands on the soon-to-be mayor.
Following the court ruling, the Election Commission must now amend the gazette to formally recognise Ishraque as the mayor, allowing him to assume office—just as his father once did.
SH
