Nagar Bhaban still padlocked

Nagar Bhaban, the headquarters of Dhaka South City Corporation, was still under lock and key yesterday even though the supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain suspended their protests for the weekend.

City residents have not been getting any services at the Nagar Bhaban since Ishraque's supporters, under the banner of Dhakabashi, started demonstrating on May 14 for immediate swearing-in of him as mayor. Several employee unions have expressed support for the demonstrators.

The building also houses the Local Government Division office, closed since May 15, preventing Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain from attending work there.

Ishraque yesterday urged DSCC unions to ensure cleanliness in the city ahead of Eid as the failure to get services caused widespread frustration among residents.

Addressing the protesters over the phone, which was put through a PA system, Ishraque expressed gratitude to his supporters and urged them to continue fulfilling responsibilities.

"We are giving the government one more day. In the meantime, everyone must carry out their duties. Eid-ul-Azha is approaching. After the Qurbani, it's our collective responsibility to keep the city clean and liveable. I hope government inaction doesn't lead to public suffering," he said.

In a Facebook post, Ishraque called for the immediate resignation of "three non-neutral and dangerous advisers".

They must either step down or give an undertaking that they would not take part in the next election.

Ishraque earlier said National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, local government Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam must resign.

Addressing the demonstrators in front of Nagar Bhaban, Dhakabashi Coordinator Moshiur Rahman said the government would face consequences if it delayed Ishraque's swearing-in.

The High Court ruled last Thursday that there were "no further legal barriers" to Ishraque's swearing-in. Following the ruling, his supporters temporarily suspended a road blockade in Kakrail, giving the authorities 48 hours to initiate the process.

However, the demonstrators reoccupied Nagar Bhaban early yesterday morning, locking all the entrances.

Only trucks carrying cleaning supplies for Eid preparations were allowed to enter the premises. A handful of officials handled operations from the emergency control room on the ground floor.

DSCC Public Relations Officer Rasel Rahman said, "Nagar Bhaban remains locked. Our regular administrative functions are at a standstill."

The disruption has taken a toll on citizens. Latiful Islam, a resident of Bakshibazar, went to Nagar Bhaban around noon to collect a his father's death certificate. "I came here three times in a week, but had to return empty-handed every time. One of my brothers came from abroad, and we were planning to settle property matters. Now everything is stalled," he said.