Asif, Mahfuj in talks with political parties after resignation
Mahfuj Alam is unlikely to run independently or from NCP, his brother says
Advisers of the interim government, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan and Mahfuj Alam, have stepped down from their positions, sources say, as both are preparing to participate in the upcoming national elections. However, neither have confirmed which party they will contest under.
Several leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) said that ultimately, Asif and Mahfuj are expected to join them, but the two are reportedly in discussions with multiple parties, including Gono Odhikar Parishad and BNP, before making a final decision.
Some party leaders added that a final decision regarding joining NCP depends on resolving disagreements over party positions and ranks. The NCP has kept the Dhaka-10 seat vacant for Asif and the Lakshmipur-1 seat for Mahfuj; on the contrary, BNP has already nominated Rabiul Alam for Dhaka-10 and Shahadat Hossain Selim for Lakshmipur-1.
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When asked about the two, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said that while the party hopes all allies will join NCP, the individuals have the right to choose any party.
Meanwhile, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur commented on Facebook that Asif has not officially joined any political party yet but may do so soon. He praised Asif's past activism, noting that any mistakes during his time in office are negligible compared to his contribution to the struggle. "Asif is not a leader who suddenly just appeared. He emerged from struggles during the turbulent times of fascism and was my companion in the fight," Nur said.
Talking to the media, Asif Mahmud said he has decided to contest the election independently, targeting the Dhaka-10 seat. Mahfuj Alam said he is taking a few days before announcing his formal decision regarding the election.
Mahfuj's brother and NCP joint convener, Mahbub Alam, added that Mahfuj is likely to contest from Lakshmipur-1, but discussions are ongoing regarding which party he will represent. However, the possibility of him joining the NCP or contesting as an independent is slim.
The former advisers submitted their resignation letters to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (10 December), and their resignations became effective yesterday evening as the national election schedule was announced by the Election Commission.
