In a landmark decision on March 27, 2025, the Election Tribunal of Dhaka annulled the results of the 2020 Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayoral election, declaring BNP leader Ishraque Hossain as the rightful mayor. The court’s verdict invalidated the previous declaration of Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as mayor.
Background of the Legal Challenge
Following the February 1, 2020, mayoral election, Ishraque Hossain contested the results, citing widespread electoral irregularities, corruption, and procedural flaws. On March 3, 2020, he filed a case seeking the annulment of the election results and recognition as mayor. The defendants named in the case included the then Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda, Returning Officer Md Abdul Baten, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh.
Court’s Ruling
Judge Md Nurul Islam, presiding over the Election Tribunal, delivered the verdict on March 27, 2025. The court found merit in Ishraque’s claims, leading to the cancellation of the previous election results and the gazette notification that had declared Taposh as mayor.
Ishraque Hossain’s Response
Addressing the media after the verdict, Ishraque expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, stating, “I offer my thanks to Almighty Allah. I have received justice.” He recounted the challenges faced during the 2020 election, including alleged obstructions to his campaign and widespread irregularities on election day. Ishraque emphasized the importance of restoring justice in Bangladesh’s electoral process.
BNP’s Position
Ishraque clarified that any decision regarding his assumption of the mayoral office would depend on the directives of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He stated, “Becoming mayor is a decision to be made by the party.” The BNP has yet to announce its stance on the court’s ruling and the subsequent steps to be taken.
Political Reactions
The court’s decision has sparked reactions across the political spectrum. Ishraque has called for legal action against three former Chief Election Commissioners—KM Nurul Huda, Kazi Rakibuddin Ahmad, and Kazi Habibul Awal—for their alleged roles in the electoral process’s shortcomings. He stated, “They were constitutionally empowered to work independently, without any external influence. But they failed in their duties. A judicial process should begin against them.”
Current Administrative Status
Since the fall of the previous government, the DSCC has been under administrative oversight. Md Shahjahan Miah currently serves as the administrator of the DSCC. The court’s ruling may pave the way for the reinstatement of an elected mayor, depending on political developments and decisions by the BNP.
Looking Ahead
The annulment of the 2020 DSCC election results and the declaration of Ishraque Hossain as mayor represent significant developments in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The coming weeks are expected to bring clarity on the BNP’s position and the potential for new elections or the assumption of office by the declared mayor. The situation remains fluid, with all eyes on the BNP’s next moves and the government’s response to the court’s decision.