Advisor Mahfuz Expresses Concern Over His Position

Information Advisor Mahfuz Alam has openly acknowledged that, for the past two months, he has been living under uncertainty regarding his advisory position. He explained that this situation stems from mounting pressure exerted by political parties, alongside demands from student advisors calling for his resignation.

On Sunday morning, during a dialogue organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) at the CIRDAP Auditorium in Dhaka, Mahfuz made these remarks. The event, titled “Media Self-Regulation and Complaints Mechanism: Political and Policy Perspectives”, was supported by the Government of the United Kingdom and The Asia Foundation.

Mahfuz Alam candidly admitted: “For the last two months, I have been in uncertainty about when I might have to step down. I genuinely do not know when I may be required to resign.”

He further revealed that, since May, political parties have been raising their voices, demanding the resignation of student advisors. At times, he even heard slogans in this regard near his official residence.

Addressing political parties, the Information Advisor urged: “They should cooperate and at least not create obstacles. Only then will we be able to move forward with our work.”

Mahfuz Alam also shed light on the Journalism Protection Act, clarifying that the journey from draft to law involves 18 steps. Although instructions were given two months ago to initiate the process, it has remained stuck at the second stage. Despite the delay, he expressed optimism that the law would be enacted within the tenure of the current government.

Reflecting on his role, Mahfuz Alam remarked: “Whereas other advisors have taken up responsibilities and yet, even after a year, remain unsure of what to do, I accepted this responsibility at a time when it feels as if I might have to step down the very next day.”