Staff Reporter:
Adviser to the interim government, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, has applied to be registered as a voter in the Dhaka-10 parliamentary constituency, indicating his intent to contest in the forthcoming national election, likely as an independent candidate.
On Sunday afternoon, Asif Mahmud visited the Dhanmondi thana election office—under Dhaka-10 constituency on Green Road—to submit his voter registration application.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, the adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said that while his candidacy from a Dhaka seat was “more or less certain,” his resignation from the advisory council would depend on “decisions taken at the highest level of government.”
“Since it is more or less confirmed that I will contest the election from Dhaka, I am changing my constituency to Dhaka as well, so that the vote is not wasted,” he told journalists. “Although I have been a voter before, I could not cast my vote in any election. Two elections took place after I became a voter – in 2018 and 2024 – at that time, no one was able to vote. I have ensured that I can vote in the coming election.”
When asked whether he planned to join any political party, Asif Mahmud clarified, “For now, the plan is to contest as an independent candidate. Let’s see what happens afterward.”
Reporters noted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has yet to announce a candidate for Dhaka-10 and asked if discussions had taken place or if the seat had been “left open” for him.
In response, Asif Mahmud said, “I have had no form of discussion with anyone. Whether any political party keeps any seat empty or not is not a matter for me to consider. I will take my decision personally, individually.”
He also mentioned that after stepping down from the government, he intends to reside in the Dhanmondi area. “From that perspective, I am becoming a voter of this area so that my vote is not wasted,” he said.
When pressed on the timing of his resignation, the adviser reiterated, “I can state with certainty that I will contest the election. As to when I will resign, much depends on decisions taken at the highest level of government. After discussion, I will inform you soon.”
Responding to questions about differences among political parties over the timing of the July National Charter’s implementation and the proposed referendum, Asif Mahmud said no final decision had yet been made. “The government has given time for political parties to hold discussions. The final decision will be taken after receiving feedback from them,” he said.
He also outlined the interim government’s three key objectives—reform, justice, and democratic transition—saying that “all three are progressing in equal measure.” According to him, “Regarding justice, we know that there will be an important development within this month. The reform process is ongoing and is nearing completion. Once the procedures are defined, there will no longer be any doubt. Regarding the election, the government has stated very clearly, repeatedly, that the election will be held in February. The government is preparing all stakeholders and is also seeking cooperation from all to hold a fair election.”
Asked for a message to those seeking to “gain advantage by bending the rules,” Asif Mahmud declined to comment, saying, “I do not wish to make any comment on political matters at this moment. Since I am still part of the government, I will speak on such matters later.”
