Govt deliberately obstructing DSCC services: Ishraque

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has accused the government of deliberately obstructing the operations of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) in various ways.

"We are trying to serve city residents, but the government itself is hindering these services," he said on Wednesday at a sit-in programme organised by DSCC employees under the banner of "Amra Dhakabashi" at Nagar Bhaban, the DSCC headquarters.

"Even as our movement continues, we have kept emergency services running. However, we have learned that Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has instructed city corporation officials not to carry out their duties," he alleged.

Citing specific instances, Ishraque claimed that on Tuesday, both the adviser and the secretary directed regional executive officers not to sign off on birth registration and citizen certificates.

He accused the government of attempting to sabotage civic services in order to shift the blame onto BNP-backed city officials. "They are trying to carry out a disgraceful act and then blame us."

Responding to remarks made by the adviser, Ishraque said, "Asif claimed I had broken the law and committed a criminal offence. If that's true, why hasn't the government filed a case or directed law enforcement to arrest me?"

He added, "We are not afraid of these threats. We have fought against Hasina for 17 years -- faced jail, disappearances, and persecution -- yet continued our struggle for people's rights."

talhabinhabib@yahoo.com