The Election Commission (EC) has issued a gazette notification declaring BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the Dhaka South mayor, and, as per the apex court’s observations, has already fulfilled its required duties, said Commissioner Abul Fazal Md Sanaullah on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference, Md Sanaullah said administering the oath of office to Ishraque is the local government ministry’s task, suggesting it is now up to the ministry to finalise the formalities.
The EC officials have thoroughly reviewed the Supreme Court’s observations and other notes regarding Ishraque’s mayoral bid, and have reached the understanding that they have completed their duties in this regard.
Writ petitioners have raised objections against Ishraque’s appointment as Dhaka South mayor citing multiple legal hurdles in the process. However, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court has said the EC has the sole authority to decide on the issues raised.
BNP activists have alleged the Local Government and Rural Development Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan has attempted to block Ishraque’s oath taking to fulfill “vested interests.” Ishraque has threatened that if authorities do not administer the oath after Eid, he would take the oath himself and evict those against him from the Dhaka South headquarters.
