Nomination papers collected for Asif Mahmud in Cumilla-3 constituency

Nomination papers have been brouhgt on behalf of former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan for the Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar) constituency, in addition to his previously announced bid from Dhaka-10.

Although the move was initially kept low-profile, Cumilla District Administration’s Administrative Officer Md Saheb Ali later confirmed the development on Saturday (December 27), stating, the nomination paper was purchased on Wednesday by NCP activist Ramzanul Karim from South Rasulpur in Cumilla Sadar upazila, registering Asif Mahmud as an independent candidate.

Supporters said the move was made in view of possible changes in alliance calculations.

NCP Muradnagar upazila chief coordinator Minhajul Haque also acknowledged the purchase, saying Asif Mahmud had sent his National Identity Card details, based on which the nomination paper was collected from the offices of the deputy commissioner and returning officer.

According to the nomination register, Asif Mahmud’s present address has been listed as New Market under Dhaka South City Corporation, while his permanent address is recorded as Akabpur in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla.

Earlier, on December 10, Asif Mahmud resigned from his post as an adviser to the interim government and announced his intention to contest the election from Dhaka-10. He has since become a registered voter in that constituency and has begun election campaigning there.

However, no direct comment from him has been received regarding contesting from Muradnagar.

Minhajul Haque said nomination papers were collected in more than one constituency due to possible changes in alliance dynamics, adding that a final decision would be made after reviewing the political situation.

Meanwhile, returning officer sources said that as of Saturday noon, a total of 106 nomination papers had been sold across Cumilla’s 11 parliamentary constituencies. Of these, BNP purchased the highest number at 27, followed by Jamaat-e-Islami with 11, while independent candidates collected 21.

District Returning Officer and Deputy Commissioner Md Reza Hasan said nomination papers were collected by supporters on behalf of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, noting that the issue did not draw immediate attention as the candidate himself was not present.