Adviser Asif Mahmud established a mafia rule in Cumilla's Muradnagar: Chhatra Dal's Nasir

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir has accused LGRD and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan of creating a "mafia-style governance" in Muradnagar upazila of Cumilla.

"While the rest of Bangladesh is witnessing a shift toward positive politics, Muradnagar remains trapped in a toxic political environment," he said during a press briefing today (4 August) after visiting Nazim Mahmud, senior joint convener of Muradnagar upazila Chhatra Dal, at the Cumilla jail.

Nasir claimed that individuals who participated in the July-August political movement — or were previously imprisoned — are again being targeted and sent to jail following the events of 5 August.

He alleged that Asif Mahmud is controlling Muradnagar based on his personal interests, disregarding both organisational discipline and democratic principles. 

He said currently, 13 activists from Chhatra Dal and other affiliated wings of Muradnagar upazila are behind bars.

He also shared a tragic development — following the arrest of Nazim Mahmud, his mother reportedly died of a heart attack. In addition, Senior Joint Conveners of Jubo Dal and Swechchasebak Dal, Masud Rana and Faruk Ahmed Badsha respectively, have also been arrested, he said.

"It's noteworthy that the senior joint conveners from three different organisations have all been selectively targeted," he added.

Nasir compared Asif Mahmud's actions to those of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing Asif of betraying the people of Muradnagar.

"Over the past 17 years, those who have entrenched fascism in this area are still roaming free. They are conducting business openly with Asif Mahmud's father, yet not a single one of them is behind bars.

"How can Asif Mahmud run for election while still serving on the Advisory Council? Some suggest he will resign from the position before contesting, but with an adviser like him in place, how can the government claim to be neutral?" he added

Nasir further alleged that the Muradnagar OC is working under pressure from Asif's influence and is filing politically motivated cases out of fear. "We urge the attention of the home affairs adviser to have this OC withdrawn immediately," he demanded.

At the press conference, several other senior BNP leaders from Cumilla were present, including city BNP President Udbatul Bari Abu and General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu.