Dhaka: Former adviser of the interim government and a prominent leader of the July Uprising, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, collected the nomination form today to contest the upcoming national election for the Dhaka-10 constituency. This constituency includes the areas of Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market, and Hazaribagh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud obtained the nomination paper from the office of the Assistant Returning Officer in Dhanmondi this morning. Speaking to journalists after collecting the form, he emphasized that his experience as an adviser in the interim government would be beneficial if he were elected. He highlighted the importance of understanding problem-solving and task allocation among governmental offices.
Asif Mahmud expressed concerns about the risks involved in the election campaign, which he noted have made normal campaigning challenging. He urged the government to ensure the safety of candidates, stressing the need for measures to protect those at risk, including himself, to avoid setbacks in election campaigning.
He also raised concerns about attempts by various groups to destabilize the country and sabotage the election, claiming these groups aim to prevent elections without the Awami League. He asserted the importance of Bangladesh’s democratic transition for the nation’s stability, sovereignty, and independence.
In the Dhaka-10 constituency, the BNP has nominated its executive committee member, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, while Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami has selected Supreme Court lawyer Jashim Uddin Sarker as their candidate. Asif Mahmud had previously announced his intention to run as an independent candidate in a video message on Facebook on December 12. He resigned from the advisory council on December 10, where he had served as an adviser representing students from the July Uprising. During his tenure, he oversaw the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.