Asif Mahmud announces independent candidacy for Dhaka-10
The seat covers areas including Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Hazaribag, New Market, and a portion of Kamrangirchar.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, who resigned from his position as an adviser of the interim government yesterday (11 December), has officially declared his intention to contest the upcoming 13th national election as an individual candidate for the Dhaka-10 constituency.
The seat covers areas including Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Hazaribag, New Market, and a portion of Kamrangirchar.
Asif Mahmud made the announcement this noon (12 December) through a video message posted on his verified Facebook page.
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In his video, the former adviser stated that after 17 years, the country has a chance to determine its future. He affirmed that while actualising the dream of a new Bangladesh is difficult, it is "not impossible."
"What is needed is not the politics of division that has persisted for ages, but the establishment of a welfare state for every citizen; the implementation of a new social, political, and geopolitical arrangement is essential," he said.
His announcement follows his resignation, submitted on 10 December to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, which became effective yesterday (11 December) as the national election schedule was announced.
Clearing up speculation regarding his political affiliation, Asif Mahmud emphasised that the people, not any major political party, would be his sole strength.
"I do not have the patronage of any major political party, numerous dedicated workers, or the necessary finances in the conventional system. Your cooperation and support are my only recourse, and my accountability will be solely to you," he stated.
Asif Mahmud stressed that his fight is one of reconstruction and new beginnings, citing inspiration from the sacrifices of past figures, including Matiur Rahman, Taramon Bibi, Nur Hossain, Felani, Abrar Fahad, Abu Sayed, and Mir Mugdho, all martyrs of struggles.
He characterised his candidacy not merely as a candidate for a member of parliament seat, but as a "candidate for the referendum." He urged the public to vote "Yes" in the referendum to realise the opportunity for national reform secured by the sacrifice of many lives.
His decision to contend as an independent candidate comes amid earlier reports suggesting that he and fellow former adviser Mahfuz Alam were in discussions with multiple parties, including the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, and BNP, regarding their electoral participation.
