State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain on Thursday told Parliament that if the court verdict declaring him mayor is considered illegal, then all actions of the interim government must also be declared unlawful.

He made the remark reacting to an allegation raised by Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam in the House.

Nahid Islam alleged that Ishraque Hossain had earlier demanded recognition as a legitimate mayor based on what he described as an “illegal election” held during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In response, Ishraque rejected the claim, asserting that a seven-member bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh had upheld the verdict, declaring him elected mayor. “If that ruling is termed illegal, then everything done by the interim government must also be declared illegal,” he said.

The discussion took place on a point of order during the legislation procedure of the Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the House.

Earlier, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam questioned the circumstances under which an administrator was appointed to the Dhaka North City Corporation during the interim government period.

He also raised concerns over why Ishraque, despite being declared mayor and receiving a gazette notification from the Election Commission along with instructions for oath-taking from the ministry, was not sworn in.

“The Local Government Ministry had instructed him to take the oath. Our opposition chief whip was in the government's cabinet. Under what special circumstances was he not sworn in?” said Mir Shahe Alam.

Responding on a point of order, Nahid Islam said Mir Shahe Alam had provided incorrect information regarding his role. He said Ishraque Hossain waged a movement to press home a demand in May 2025 during the interim government, he (Nahid) was not part of the cabinet as he had resigned in late February of that year.

At this time, Nahid said Ishraque Hossain demanded that he be declared the legitimate mayor of the illegal elections during Sheikh Hasina's time.

The Opposition chief whip asked for correcting the statement.

Later, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni requested the Speaker to allow Ishraque Hossain the floor, which was granted. Taking the floor, Ishraque reiterated that his position was validated by the highest court.