United News of Bangladesh

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Wednesday publicly disclosed his and his family members’ bank statements in response to corruption allegations that surfaced following discussions over his possible candidacy in the upcoming city corporation elections. At an emergency press conference held at the NCP office in Banglamotor at night, Asif unveiled bank account details of his own as well as those of his parents and wife. Asif said he had submitted a full statement of his income and assets to the Cabinet Division while stepping down from his post as adviser to the interim government. “Even after that, when attempts are being made to create speculation about my assets, I think it is necessary to make my and my family’s bank accounts public so that no one can spread confusion over the matter.” Although he initially planned to disclose only his own bank statements, he later decided to make public the accounts of all family members to remove any remaining questions. Providing details, Asif said that during his 16 months as adviser, his average monthly salary was Tk 1.65 lakh and all transactions, including allowances, were conducted through his salary account. He said the total credit in the two accounts, including salary and other deposits, stood at more than Tk 85 lakh, while total debit amounted to more than Tk 76 lakh. Currently, the combined balance in the two accounts is around Tk 9,88,000. Asif also disclosed that his father has five bank accounts with a total credit of Tk 5,47,711. However, his father had taken a service loan of Tk 10 lakh, of which Tk 6,39,746 remains outstanding. According to Asif, his father is still in debt by around Tk 82,000. His mother has one bank account with a balance of Tk 21,154, while his wife’s single bank account contains Tk 613. Claiming that the allegations were politically motivated, Asif said individuals associated with the Awami League and driven by vested interests were behind the accusations. “No one raised these allegations when I stepped down as adviser. Only after the announcement of the city corporation elections did a group start this campaign with ill motives.” On March 2, the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) sent letters to all banks and financial institutions asking them to provide details of Asif’s personal bank accounts within three working days. Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July mass uprising on Aug 5, 2024, an interim government was formed on Aug 8, where Asif served as one of three advisers representing student leaders of the movement. He initially oversaw the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and later took charge of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives along with the Youth and Sports Ministry. Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, Asif resigned from his advisory post on Dec 10, 2025. He is currently serving as spokesperson of the National Citizen Party. Earlier on Feb 10 this year, the interim government published asset statements of its advisers, which showed that as of June 30, 2025, Asif’s total assets stood at Tk 15,34,717, while his liabilities amounted to Tk 28,669.

National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Saturday claimed that the trial of the genocide during the 2024 mass uprising and the implementation of the July Charter would not take place if the BNP comes to power. Addressing a press conference at the party’s Banglamotor office in the evening, Asif Mahmud alleged that recent remarks by BNP’s top leadership clearly indicate the party’s stance. “The BNP chief has said in a recent interview that Sheikh Hasina’s children could enter politics if people want. This proves that if BNP assumes power, it will not try the Awami League for genocide.” In a scathing attack on BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Asif Mahmud said allowing Sheikh Hasina to do politics was a ‘historic mistake’. “That mistake has cost the people of Bangladesh for decades. Even Khaleda Zia had to pay for it with her life. Yet, blinded by lust for power, her son is now willing to give the Awami League space in politics.” Asif added. Claiming that people no longer want the Awami League in politics, the NCP spokesperson said the 2024 mass uprising would not have happened if there was any such public support. “At this point, BNP coming to power and Awami League coming to power mean the same thing. BNP has already reached a kind of understanding with the Awami League.” Asif Mahmud also accused the BNP of deceiving its grassroots leaders and activists. “Grassroots leaders endured imprisonment and repression, while top leaders lived a luxurious life in London. Now, by allowing the Awami League to return to politics, they are betraying their own activists.” He also alleged that BNP has already ‘betrayed’ the July Charter, despite signing it. “The issue of an upper house in parliament, as clearly stated in the July Charter, has been avoided in BNP’s election manifesto. Even if BNP comes to power, regardless of whether a referendum says ‘yes’ or ‘no’, they will not implement the July Charter.” Warning of security risks ahead of the election, Asif Mahmud alleged that some political parties are stockpiling weapons, which could be used on polling day and make the situation ‘dangerous’. He urged the joint forces to launch an all-out drive to recover illegal arms. Nasiruddin criticises Tarique Rahman, Chhatral Dal, Jubo Dal Asif also complained of the absence of a level playing field, alleging bias by the Election Commission. “Our candidates are being served show-cause notices over minor issues, while candidates of other parties openly violate the code of conduct without any action. This discriminatory attitude is destroying the level playing field.” Expressing optimism over voter turnout in the February-12 election, Asif Mahmud dismissed claims that a significant portion of Awami League supporters would stay away from voting. “Those who worked as polling agents during the Awami League-era are now either working for BNP or independent candidates. With them active in the field, general voters will also turn out,” he said.