Court ends standoff over Dhaka South City Mayor swearing in

High Court symbol

For over a week, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has been embroiled in political turmoil, as supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain staged relentless protests demanding his swearing-in as mayor. Characterized by sit-ins, road blockades, and the siege of key administrative offices, the agitation disrupted city services and underscored the dangers of governance inaction. More significantly, it revealed underlying political maneuvers that aimed to challenge Ishraque’s rightful assumption of office.

The crisis began when the Election Tribunal overturned the results of the 2020 DSCC election, which had originally declared Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh victorious. The tribunal’s ruling instead recognized Ishraque Hossain as the rightful mayor, prompting the Election Commission to issue a gazette notification confirming his appointment. However, rather than implementing the decision swiftly, authorities allowed hesitation to dictate the course of action.

This inaction invited resistance, culminating in the filing of a writ petition seeking to prevent Ishraque’s swearing-in. The move left little doubt that certain factions were intent on blocking his appointment, and Ishraque’s supporters wasted no time in recognizing this attempt. Their weeklong agitation was not merely a demand for oath-taking—it was a direct response to the broader political maneuvers at play. Their siege of Nagar Bhaban and sit-in near the Chief Adviser’s residence reflected a keen awareness of the political stakes involved.

On May 22, the High Court dismissed the writ petition, effectively clearing the legal path for Ishraque’s swearing-in. Yet, the episode has left behind valuable lessons. Governance must not be held hostage to hesitation or political maneuvering. When a court issues a verdict, its swift execution is essential to uphold the rule of law and prevent prolonged instability. Delay not only fuels agitation but also erodes public trust in government institutions.

While protests remain a legitimate form of democratic expression, governance must ensure that political conflicts do not paralyze essential services. This episode is best forgotten quickly, but its lessons must not be ignored. Authorities must ensure that legal verdicts are respected without delay, preventing future unrest and safeguarding the integrity of the city’s administration. Dhaka’s residents deserve leadership that prioritizes governance over political contestation—a principle that must be upheld at all costs.