Supporters of opposition BNP leader Ishraque Hossain continued their sit-in protest for the sixth consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding his official declaration as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

The protest, led by activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations, resumed at 10am in front of the DSCC headquarters at Nagar Bhaban and is expected to continue until 5pm.

Hundreds of demonstrators, including former councillors, leaders and activists from the Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Mahila Dal, and Sramik Dal, gathered under the banner of ‘Dhakabasi’ (Residents of Dhaka), chanting slogans and carrying placards calling for Ishraque Hossain’s recognition as mayor.

Protesters also demanded the resignation of DSCC advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, vowing to intensify their demonstrations unless their demands are met.

“The people have elected Ishraque Bhai. We will not return home until he is declared mayor,” said Abul Hashem Anis, general secretary of BNP’s Ward 52 unit in Dhaka, speaking to Banglanews. 

He said, “We’ve been here since the beginning with around a hundred leaders and activists under the leadership of our ward president, Rabiul Islam Dipu Bhai.”

The protest has brought disruptions to public services and traffic in the area. 

DSCC’s main gate has been locked since the demonstrations began, with internal rooms and elevators reportedly shut down. 

Service seekers arriving from different parts of the city have been turned away.

Roads around Gulistan, Fulbaria, and Banga Market witnessed heavy traffic congestion, with many office-goers stranded. Commuters, rickshaw-pullers, and CNG drivers expressed frustration at the disruption.

SMS/