Staff Correspondent:

BNP leader Ishraque Hossain has declared a temporary suspension of the ongoing movement following a court verdict he described as a “victory for the rule of law.”

Speaking in front of the chief adviser’s residence at Jamuna on Thursday afternoon, he warned that the movement would resume if the ruling is not implemented without delay.

“Today’s court verdict marks the triumph of justice. In light of this, we are temporarily halting our movement. But if the decision is not executed immediately, we will once again lay siege to Jamuna,” Ishraque told reporters around 4:30pm.

Reiterating his previous demand, Ishraque said: “We are standing firm on our call for the resignation of the government’s two student advisers, as announced yesterday. The government will be under observation for the next 24 to 48 hours. If the advisers do not step down within that time, we will return to the streets.”

Addressing the public inconvenience caused by recent demonstrations, the BNP leader offered an apology but defended the actions as necessary. “We sincerely apologise for the public suffering caused by our programmes. However, one day, people will understand why this movement was essential. Our struggle is far from over.”

He also credited the grassroots and Dhaka’s residents for what he described as a collective victory. “This triumph belongs entirely to BNP’s grassroots workers and the people of Dhaka. They have reclaimed their rights. Today, it’s not just me who became mayor, every one of you did. This is a victory for all of us,” Ishraque said.