Smear campaigns target us whenever we expose wrongdoing: Asif Mahmud
Many have run smear campaigns against him but failed to produce anything concrete, says Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, spokesperson for the National Citizen Party and chairman of its Election Management Committee, has claimed that smear campaigns are launched against them whenever they bring wrongdoing to light.
Speaking at a press conference at the NCP office at Banglamotor, Dhaka, focusing on the party's election-related crowdfunding, Asif said if there is any evidence against him, he will accept the verdict of the relevant court.
Many have run campaigns against him but failed to produce anything concrete, he added.
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"Even during the Awami League's tenure, their misdeeds were exposed. If they want, they can try the same against us now. But fabricated news is being spread solely to malign [us]," Asif said, without naming anyone specifically.
At the press conference, the party demonstrated how donations can be made to NCP candidates through its website and mobile applications.
Asif said crowdfunding has officially been launched to meet election management expenses. "As promised, an audited report of income and expenditure will be published after the election."
Donations can be made starting at a minimum of Tk10, he said, adding, "We will not accept large amounts from any individual or institution."
He also said the NCP's election candidates are campaigning in innovative ways and emphasised that none of the party's candidates are loan defaulters. "They are all young people. Some had just started their careers but left their jobs to join politics."
Regarding a meeting with the Jamaat-e-Islami ameer, Asif said discussions focused on a fair election environment and on issues requiring reconsideration. "Further discussions will take place, and talks will then be held at the alliance level," he said.
The NCP is part of a 10-party election alliance led by Jamaat.
Yesterday, Asif expressed concerns over the possibility of a fair election under the current Election Commission, warning that his party may reconsider whether it will participate in the upcoming polls.
Responding to a question today on whether crowdfunding conflicts with the election code of conduct or provisions of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), NCP fundraising cell chief Forhad Sohel told The Business Standard that the party has not sought any formal observation from the Election Commission regarding fundraising.
"However, we believe there is no legal issue. Crowdfunding does not contradict the RPO or the election code of conduct," he said.
