Asif leaning towards joining Gono Odhikar Parishad, Mahfuj’s path unclear

Mahfuj has previously been linked with the BNP, but there has been no news regarding his joining the party

Speculation is rife about the next political destination of the two advisors who resigned from the interim government -- Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain and Mahfuj Alam.

Although Asif has not shared any official decision on the matter, the GOP has dropped hints.

However, Mahfuj, who has previously been linked with the BNP -- has yet to make any announcement about his political preferences in the next election.

GOP General Secretary Rashed Khan told bdnews24.com, “We had an initial discussion with Asif about joining Gono Odhikar. However, a final decision has yet to be made.”

“We are hopeful. If he chooses to join us, we’ll offer him a respectable post. We previously took part in the movement together.”

When asked about Mahfuj, Rashed said, “I have no comments about him.”

Asif held a press conference before resigning on Wednesday. He was asked if he had plans of joining the party of his political associates -- the National Citizen Party (NCP).

"It is not ambiguous; there is genuinely no decision on this matter. During the mass uprising, I was involved with the current NCP activists. But it would not be correct to assume that I am joining the NCP. I hope everything will become clear within the next few days," Asif replied.

Asif’s aide Saiful Islam said, “He has not made a decision to join a political party. If he does, he’ll hold a press briefing and let [everyone] know.”

Asif was sworn in as the advisor to the Ministry of Youth and Sports as a representative of the student community in the interim government formed on Aug 8, 2024, after the Awami League-led government was overthrown.

The advisor first expressed his intention to participate in the election about a month ago.

Later, the student leader who was at the frontline of the July protests, was also given the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.

Asif Mahmud has shifted his voter registration and become a voter in the Dhaka-10 constituency and could run for the seat. However, he has yet to make an official statement about the election and joining the party.

Mahfuj was an advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

There were speculations about Mahfuj contesting from the Lakshmipur-1 constituency with a Bangladesh Nationalist Party ticket. But the BNP has nominated a candidate for the electoral area.

Mahfuj could not be reached for comment, despite several attempts to contact him.