Will not stay in interim government during election: Asif Mahmud

Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has announced that he will not remain part of the interim government during the upcoming election period. The announcement was made during a live talk show hosted by Khaled Muhiuddin, Chief Editor of New York-based Tikhana TV, on Tuesday.

Speaking on the programme, Asif Mahmud stated, “I have been involved in politics since 2018. It is inappropriate for anyone engaged in active politics to be part of the interim government. Therefore, I intend to resign from my advisory position before the election schedule is officially announced.”

Despite confirming his ongoing involvement in politics, the adviser did not clarify whether he plans to contest in the forthcoming national elections or join the National Citizen Party (NCP).

As the sole guest on the talk show, Asif Mahmud discussed various critical issues including the formation and performance of the interim government over the past year, the role of the military in politics, divisions among allies of the July movement, and the upcoming national elections. The discussion was broadcast live at 11 a.m. New York time (9 p.m. Bangladesh time) on Khaled Muhiuddin's YouTube channel.

Asif Mahmud emphasized that his role in the government is not driven by personal power or political ambition but to firmly support the July mass uprising. “There are still important tasks pending, such as the implementation of local government reforms and fulfilling the promises of the July declaration,” he said. “Failing to complete these responsibilities would be a historic failure.”

He also hinted at political maneuvers during the interim government’s tenure, claiming that certain forces are attempting to bring the Jatiya Party into the elections as the main opposition, and that efforts are underway to bring some Awami League leaders to contest under the Jatiya Party banner.

Addressing concerns over delays in local governance, the adviser noted, “The absence of elected representatives in city corporations and municipalities has disrupted civic services. While the blame often falls on me, even if the government wishes, it cannot conduct local elections because some parties, notably BNP and their allies, are unwilling to participate.”

Regarding recent controversies in Muradnagar, Cumilla—including mob violence, teacher harassment, and extortion—Asif Mahmud dismissed allegations against his father, Billal Hossain, accusing him of sheltering culprits. The adviser labeled these accusations as politically motivated propaganda and indicated that legal action is underway.

Responding to speculation about his political future, Asif Mahmud rejected rumors that he would run for parliament from Muradnagar. “I aim to engage in politics at the national level. Contesting elections at the local level would not be strategic. Dhaka remains the center of my political aspirations,” he concluded.