BNP leader Ishraque Hossain on Wednesday instructed his supporters to remain on the streets for "as long as necessary".
In a post on his verified Facebook page this afternoon, he wrote, "There's only one instruction--no one is to leave the streets for as long as necessary."
In a separate Facebook post earlier this morning, Ishraque called for the resignation of Adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, citing their alleged political affiliations.
Ishraque wrote, "In democratic language and in line with political courtesy, I am calling for the resignation of Adviser Asif Mahmud and Adviser Mahfuj Alam on logical grounds."
"It is evident that you (the adviser) are affiliated with a political party and may soon become directly involved. It also seems quite clear that you intend to contest in the upcoming election. In that case, is the demand for your resignation illogical? Or would it not be the right step to end the political controversy surrounding you?"
He added, "If you resign, it will enhance the image of neutrality of the current government. I still believe that if you join politics directly and gain experience through party and organisational work, you will be able to serve the country and its people more effectively."
Ishraque further wrote, "If you cling to power, you will inevitably have to provide undue advantages to your party members."
There is neither the possibility nor the capacity for you to remain completely neutral under such circumstances--no one can. The burden will fall on your heads, but others will reap the benefits."
At the time of writing, neither of the advisers had publicly responded to Ishraque's remarks.
Judgment on petition against gazette on Ishraque today
Meanwhile, the High Court on Wednesday deferred its judgment to Thursday on the writ petition seeking suspension of the Election Commission’s gazette notification that declared BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
The HC bench of Justice Md Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury fixed the date after hearing the writ petition.
Earlier on Tuesday, the HC fixed Wednesday for delivering its judgment on the writ petition.
Earlier on May 13, a writ petition was filed with the High Court seeking its directive to prevent BNP leader Ishraque Hossain from taking oath as the mayor of DSCC.
The writ also sought action against the Judge of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal for giving a fraudulent judgment by declaring Ishraque as mayor.
Md. Mamunur Rashid, a resident of DSCC area, filed the writ in the relevant branch of the High Court.
Earlier on March 27, Judge of Dhaka First Joint District Judge and Election Tribunal Md Nurul Islam cancelled the results of the 2020 DSCC election and announced BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as its mayor.
Later on April 27, the EC issued a gazette notification declaring him as mayor.
On April 28, two Dhaka residents, including writ petitioner Mamunur Rashid, sent legal notices to the authorities concerned to appeal or review the verdict and decree given by the Election Tribunal declaring Ishraque as mayor.
The notice also asked to refrain from publishing gazettes in the name of Ishraque and administering oaths to him.
Supporters of BNP leader Ishraque Hossain continued their sit-in for the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday, demanding his swearing-in as the mayor of DSCC.
