Why Is Chief Adviser Tolerating Mahfuz’s Petulance? – Zahed Ur Rahman

University teacher and political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman has raised sharp criticism regarding the recent behaviour of Adviser Mahfuz Alam, questioning the silence of the Chief Adviser in the face of what he calls childish antics. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Zahed declared:

“Since yesterday evening, Adviser Mahfuz Alam’s puerile behaviour has become a topic of widespread discussion. Of course, one might say that in Bangladesh, it’s unsurprising if boys are made ministers and then behave childishly. But the key question is: why is the Chief Adviser passively observing this foolishness? That’s the question I wish to ask. This needs to be addressed.”

Deleted Statuses and Public Confusion

Zahed Ur Rahman highlighted that Mahfuz Alam had recently posted – and then deleted – a provocative status on social media.

“We noticed that Mahfuz suddenly made a post, which is no longer available. It’s almost comical – as BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed predicted, he might delete it within the hour. And indeed, he did. That, to me, is the peak of childish behaviour,” said Zahed.

The first status stated: “The footsteps of another 1/11 can be heard.” Amid heavy backlash, Mahfuz edited it to include, “July will be victorious; the people’s struggle will not fail.”

Zahed asked:

“Why invoke 1/11 so suddenly? What prompted him to post this on 4 August specifically? And why did he feel compelled to delete it later?”

Timeline of the Post and Its Revisions

Mahfuz had also posted explanatory comments citing:

1. A lack of unity among July’s progressive forces
2. Reactivation of old 1/11-era powers
3. Efforts to vilify student-led public movements
4. Attempts to revive old economic and cultural frameworks
5. Campaigns to discredit state institutions
6. General atmosphere of despair being cultivated among the public

Zahed questioned:

“Is this something that happened overnight? Why suddenly bring it up now? Unless there’s truly a crisis like that of 1/11 looming — which there isn’t — what is the basis of his claims?”

A Pattern of Petulance

Zahed also reminded viewers of earlier controversial actions by Mahfuz Alam:

“Let’s assume he was immature then, just newly in power. But the childishness continues. After all this, what did he gain by deleting the last post? Was it a lie? If so, why post it in the first place?” asked Zahed.

Role of the Chief Adviser

Zahed recalled his earlier warnings when Mahfuz Alam and other student leaders were appointed as advisers.

“At the time, I said this was a disastrous decision. But let me return to the current issue: why is Mahfuz Alam seeing signs of 1/11 again? I believe the reason lies in a recent briefing by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on the past year’s political environment.”

Transparency International’s Stinging Observations

TIB’s briefing criticised all political parties, including the BNP, but reserved its harshest language for the NCP, particularly labelling it as a ‘King’s Party’, suggesting close government affiliation.

“Dr Iftekharuzzaman clearly said: there’s no hiding it – the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is a King’s Party. Two of their members are in government.”

Political Fallout and Fear of Removal

Zahed interpreted Mahfuz Alam’s outburst as a reaction to TIB’s report, possibly due to fear of being removed from office.

“TIB’s statements are deeply critical and soundly truthful. They clearly implicate the two student advisers. If the NCP is being labelled as a King’s Party, then the logical response should be the resignation of those implicated. Either they resign themselves or Dr Yunus removes them. But perhaps, Mahfuz now feels insecure. They’re enjoying their perks too much to leave willingly.”

He continued:

“Every time criticism hits, these individuals bring up distractions to protect themselves. That’s what we’re seeing now — an attempt to deflect accountability through noise.”