Will contest election from Dhaka, resignation depends on govt's decision: Asif Mahmud

Interim government Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has announced that he will contest in the upcoming national election, and his resignation from the Advisory Council depends on the government's decision.

"Since I will most likely contest from Dhaka, I wanted to transfer my vote here so it doesn't go to waste. Although I became a voter earlier, I could never cast my vote in any election," he said while speaking to reporters after applying to become a voter at the Dhanmondi Election Office under Dhaka-10 constituency today (9 November).

The adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports added that since becoming a voter, two elections — in 2018 and 2024 — had taken place, but he couldn't vote in either.

"This time I've ensured I can vote. As for where I will contest from, that hasn't been finalised yet, but it will be from Dhaka, Inshallah."

Responding to a question, he said he plans to stay in Dhanmondi after resigning from the government. "That's why I registered as a voter in this area — so my vote doesn't go to waste."

When asked when he would resign from the government and join the people, Asif Mahmud said, "I can say for sure that I will contest the election. As for when I will resign, that depends on decisions at the government's high level. Discussions are ongoing, and we'll let you know soon."

When asked whether he plans to join any political party, the adviser replied, for now, the plan is to contest as an independent candidate.

Responding to a question whether he had any discussion with the BNP, as Dhaka-10 is one of the constituencies where the BNP has yet to announce a candidate, Asif Mahmud said, "I haven't had any discussions with anyone. Which seat any political party leaves vacant is not my concern. I'll make my decision independently."

On the ongoing political debate over the implementation of the July Charter and the referendum timeline, the adviser said no final decision has yet been made.

"The government has given political parties time to discuss and share their feedback. Once that's received, the final decision will be made," he added.

Regarding the government's priorities, Asif Mahmud said, "The interim government had three main tasks — reform, justice, and democratic transition. You can see that progress is being made in all three areas. On the justice front, we expect significant progress within this month. The reform activities are also nearing completion. Once these processes are fully defined, there will be no confusion."

He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to holding elections in February, saying, "The government has been very clear about organising the election in February and is preparing all stakeholders to ensure a free and fair process."