Political Tensions Between NCP and Advisor Asif Mahmud

Distance has increased between interim government advisor Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya and the National Citizens Party–NCP. Asif Mahmud has expressed his desire to resign from his advisory position and take up a role within the party, but NCP is unwilling to give him the expected post.

Supporters of Asif in NCP, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, National Student Power, and National Youth Power are demanding that he be made the party’s ‘Chief Coordinator’. Currently, this position is held by former convener of the Citizens Committee, Nasiruddin Patwary. Since Asif did not receive the post, he has reactivated the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Committee, which has caused discomfort within NCP and National Student Power. Rumors suggest that under Asif’s guidance, a new organization led by former Dhaka University DSA convener Abdul Qader may emerge.

Yesterday, Asif applied to register as a voter in Dhaka-10, Dhanmondi. It is rumored that he intends to contest elections in this constituency, whereas earlier discussions indicated he might contest in Comilla-3. BNP’s candidate in Comilla-3 is popular leader Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad.

Following the August 5 uprising, student representatives Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya took oath as advisors. Nahid later resigned, and in February, the National Citizens Party–NCP was formed, with Asif working behind the scenes.

Advisor Asif is now election-focused and plans to resign from the government and start campaigning in Dhaka-10, according to his supporters.

Previously, on October 24, news spread that NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary had resigned. Some party leaders wanted to give the post to Asif. Nasir’s resignation further complicated the situation. In a general meeting, advice was given to contest elections independently. While joining an alliance may bring short-term gains, it could negatively affect the party in the long run.

An NCP senior leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that deciding whether to join an alliance or contest independently is challenging. Moreover, the distance with Advisor Asif has created a challenge for the party.

Khaborwala/TSN