Legal scholar and adviser Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul commented on the controversy surrounding the gazette notification of Ishraq Hossain as mayor. He stated that he has no opinion on whether the move legitimizes elections held under the Awami League’s rule, calling it a matter for the Election Commission (EC). “If someone wins by altering court pleadings or filing cases, that question should be directed at them,” he said. According to Nazrul, Ishraq reportedly modified his legal pleadings at a later stage, which raised doubts about whether the EC would issue a gazette or require an appeal. Ultimately, the EC published the gazette without seeking his opinion. “It’s entirely their decision — they are a constitutional body and not obliged to consult us,” he added.