Ishraque supporters block Nagar Bhaban, traffic snarls return

Supporters of BNP’s Ishraque Hossain build stage and resume blockade at Nagar Bhaban on 20 May, demanding his mayoral oath.

Traffic in Gulistan and adjacent areas of Dhaka came to a standstill from Monday morning as supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain resumed their blockade in front of Nagar Bhaban for the sixth consecutive day, demanding his swearing-in as mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation.

From around 10am, protesters gathered at the main gate of the city corporation building, building a stage and blocking all vehicular movement on surrounding roads, including Gulistan.

The blockade also extended to the Golap Shah Mazar intersection near the city corporation headquarters, further disrupting traffic flow.

The main entrance to Nagar Bhaban remains locked, halting all public services provided by the city corporation.

This has caused heavy congestion in Bangabazar, Gulistan, Paltan, Old Dhaka, Dilkusha, and Motijheel, severely affecting daily commuters.

Due to the blockade, the Local Government Division office, previously housed at Nagar Bhaban, was temporarily relocated to the Secretariat on Sunday.

Meanwhile, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed cautioned that the protests could escalate if Ishraque Hossain is not sworn in promptly.

Addressing a BNP membership campaign launch in Sylhet, he stated, “Just because we supported this [interim] government doesn’t mean they can do as they please.”