‘Advisor Asif Mahmud Establishes ‘Mafia Rule’ in Muradnagar’

Nasir Uddin Nasir, Central General Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (Student League), has accused Advisor Asif Mahmud of establishing a ‘mafia regime’ in Muradnagar, Comilla. Nasir claimed that those who were active in anti-fascist movements are now being harassed. He further alleged that on the orders of Asif Mahmud, many leaders and activists have been imprisoned.

On Monday (4 August), Nasir spoke to journalists outside Comilla Central Jail, where he had gone to visit 13 detained leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organisations, including Nazim Mahmud, the senior joint convener of the Muradnagar Upazila Chhatra Dal.

Nasir Uddin Nasir stated that the news of the arrest of Nazim Mahmud caused his mother to suffer a fatal heart attack, which he described as deeply distressing. He accused Advisor Asif Mahmud of running Muradnagar as per his own will. While no Awami League leaders or activists are in prison in Muradnagar, 13 BNP and affiliated leaders remain detained. Nasir demanded the immediate release of these 13 arrested activists.

He further alleged that Asif Mahmud is betraying the people of Muradnagar like ‘killer Hasina’. According to Nasir, those who established fascism in Muradnagar over the last 17 years are all free today, openly moving about and conducting business with Asif’s father. He questioned how Asif Mahmud, as an advisor, could organise elections. Many say he will resign as advisor to contest the elections. Nasir questioned the government’s impartiality when it endorses such an advisor.

Nasir also claimed that due to Asif Mahmud’s mafia rule, the local police officer-in-charge (OC) is living in fear and filing cases under pressure. He appealed to the Home Ministry advisor to take note and have this OC withdrawn.

Present at the scene were Comilla Metropolitan BNP President Udvattul Bari Abu, General Secretary Yusuf Molla Tipu, along with leaders from Comilla Metropolitan, South District, and North District Chhatra Dal units.

After the visit, Nasir Uddin Nasir paid respects at the grave of Nazim Mahmud’s mother and met with the family.