Staff Corresondent

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain on Thursday  postponed the protest programme following the High Court’s verdict that cleared the way for Ishraque Hossain to take oath as the mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

The BNP leader made the announcement at Kakrail intersection.

"After hearing the High Court verdict today, our party has decided that we will suspend the sit-in programme for now. We will observe what they (the government) do in the next 24 to 48 hours. Based on their actions further instructions will be given," he said.

Ishraque expressed gratitude to those participating in the movement and said the decision was made considering the public suffering.

He reiterated his demand for full implementation of the court’s verdict and said the call for the resignation of the two advisers remains unchanged.

Earlier, his supporters vowed to remain on the streets until two of the advisers to the interim government, LGRD Adviser Asif Mahmud and Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam, step down.

Following the court verdict, which removed legal barriers to his assumption of office, Ishraque took to Facebook and wrote, “Until we hear the resignation of the two student advisers, the protests will continue. Don’t leave the streets—intensify the movement.”

Hundreds of his supporters braved heavy rain to maintain their sit-in at the Matsya Bhaban intersection in the capital today.

Another rally took place near Kakrail Mosque, where BNP activists burst into cheers upon hearing the court’s decision.

Chanting slogans such as “News just came in — Ishraq is now mayor” and “Victory belongs to people,” they celebrated what they termed the ‘first step’ towards justice.