Ishraque demands resignation of two advisers, halts protest 

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has said, "We remain firm on our demand for the resignation of the two student advisers of the current government. We will observe the government's response over the next 24 to 48 hours. If the two student advisers do not resign within this period, we will return to the streets."

He made the remarks on Thursday (May 22) at 4:30 pm while addressing supporters in front of the Chief Adviser's residence, Jamuna.

Following several days of continuous protest, the High Court on Thursday ruled that there is no legal bar to administering the oath of office to BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as Mayor - a development that the party has termed a legal victory.
Ishraque said, "Today's court verdict is a victory for the rule of law. Therefore, the ongoing protest is temporarily suspended. However, if the verdict is not implemented immediately, we will once again besiege Jamuna."

Apologizing for the public inconvenience caused by the protests, Ishraque said, "We sincerely apologize for the suffering caused by our programmes. But one day, the people will understand why we staged this movement. Our fight is not over yet."

He also said, "Today's victory belongs entirely to the grassroots leaders and activists of BNP and the people of Dhaka. The people of Dhaka have reclaimed their rights. Today, it is not just me who has become mayor - you all are mayors too. This victory belongs to all of you."

Following the formal announcement, several individuals injured during the July movement were brought onto a temporary stage set up on a truck. Leaders from various levels and regions of BNP delivered speeches there. Around 5:15 pm, Ishraque left the area, and shortly after, supporters also began to disperse. By 5:30 pm, traffic resumed on this major city road.

Earlier, Ishraque's supporters had been holding a sit-in in front of Nagar Bhaban for the past eight days demanding Ishraque be handed over the responsibilities of the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

On Wednesday night, they staged a sit-in on Hare Road in front of Jamuna, with Ishraque Hossain joining them. Today, they continued their sit-in at Kakrail crossing, Matsya Bhaban crossing, and surrounding areas in the capital, reiterating their demand for the resignation of two interim government advisers - Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Mahfuz Alam.