Public services have resumed at the Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC) main office after nearly six weeks of disruption caused by a protest led by supporters of politician Ishraque Hossain.
The weeks-long standoff at Nagar Bhaban is finally over. On Monday morning, protesters unlocked the main gate, ending a blockade they had maintained since May 14. They had kept the building sealed with one simple demand: that Hossain be officially sworn in and finally allowed to take office as mayor.
Since then, the front entrance of the city office remained shut. Protesters also locked several departments that handle public services.
With the gates now open, city officials say services like birth and death registration are back. Other departments, including those that issue citizen certificates, have also restarted.
Still, the building was quiet Monday. A few early visitors arrived to submit documents, but large crowds were missing. Many residents said they didn’t know the office had reopened.
“I came for a birth certificate,” said one man waiting in line. “I was here yesterday too, but things were just starting. That’s why I came early today.”
City staff confirmed they are back at work and ready to process requests. “We’re offering full services again. Some were running in a limited way before, but now everything is open,” said an official from the birth and death registration department.
DSCC’s Chief Executive Officer D. Mohammad Zillur Rahman acknowledged that the protest caused delays in some areas but said essential operations, including mosquito control and rainwater drainage, were not affected.
“There were some interruptions where physical access to the office was needed,” he said. “But many city services continued, even if in a reduced form.”
He added that all departments are now fully functional and ready to serve residents. “Our officers and staff are here. Citizens can come any time, and we’ll help them right away.”
Supporters of Ishraque Hossain launched a sit-in at the DSCC headquarters on May 15, alleging he was never properly sworn in as mayor. The demonstrators locked the main gate and several service departments to pressure city officials into action.
With the gates now open and services restored, residents and city workers hope for a return to normal. The DSCC has not announced whether any formal response was given to the protesters’ demands.
