Nagar Bhaban remains closed today

Despite all government offices being open today, operations at Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), remained suspended as of this morning, with the building still locked despite a temporary halt in protests.

On Thursday, supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain had suspended their protest for 48 hours. However, regular activities at Nagar Bhaban have yet to resume.

Ishraque's supporters continued their demonstration for eight days till Thursday in front of Nagar Bhabandemanding that he be sworn in and given the responsibilities of the city mayor.

Today, several DSCC officials said they found the building locked when they arrived for work this morning, forcing them to return.

DSCC Public Relations Officer Rasel Rahman told The Daily Star, "Like the past few days, Nagar Bhaban remains locked today as well, disrupting our regular activities."

Meanwhile, supporters of Ishraque and several DSCC employees gathered in front of Nagar Bhaban this morning, staging a protest rally demanding that Ishraque be sworn in immediately as mayor.

Arif Chowdhury, president of the DSCC Workers and Employees Union, said, "Since last Saturday, all citizen services at the DSCC's main office, Nagar Bhaban, have been suspended. That continues today."

On the other hand, Moshiur Rahman, coordinator of Ishraque supporters' platform named "Dhakabashi" and a former secretary, said, "Neither I nor Ishraque Hossain locked Nagar Bhaban. It was done spontaneously by the people of Dhaka who love Ishraque Hossain."

"At the same time, DSCC employees are expressing solidarity with our movement by abstaining from work," he said, adding, "Since I do not have the keys, I am unable to unlock it."

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, government officials and employees are getting a 10-day long holiday this year. To facilitate this, the government has declared June 11 and 12 (Wednesday and Thursday) as holidays through an executive order. However, to compensate, government offices were kept open on the weekend holidays of May 17 and May 24.