Ishraq supporters occupy Matsya Bhaban intersection, fear of Dhaka coming to a standstill!

BNP leader Engineer Ishraq Hossain's supporters have been protesting for seven consecutive days demanding that he be sworn in as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). However, instead of going to Nagar Bhaban like other days, they took up positions in front of the capital's important intersection Matsya Bhaban today (Wednesday), resulting in traffic congestion in the entire area.

The protesters started taking up positions from three directions - High Court Gate, Bangladesh Press Club, and Shiksha Bhaban intersection - since morning. Later, they gathered and took up positions at Matsya Bhaban intersection and blocked the roads around the intersection. As a result, severe traffic jams have been created in the center of the capital, causing problems for the common people.

On the other hand, the Nagar Bhaban area was completely empty today. No public gathering was seen due to the absence of the protesters. However, some employees of the City Corporation are continuing the protest inside the building. Besides, as usual, various sections of the city hall have been locked, resulting in the suspension of all services.

Ishraq Hossain's supporters demand that he be sworn in as the elected mayor and assume his duties quickly. They have been protesting continuously since last Wednesday. They have given the administration an ultimatum until 10 am today.

The coordinator of the protest, former secretary Mashiur Rahman, said on Tuesday afternoon,

"We are giving time until 10 am on Wednesday. If no decision is made by then, we will all come together again at 10 am and announce a stricter program. If necessary, a program to bring Dhaka to a standstill may also be planned."

Political analysts believe that such sit-in programs and repeated road blockades at important intersections in the capital are seriously disrupting city life. There is a danger that the situation will worsen if the government and the concerned authorities do not take immediate action.