Published : 30 Dec 2025, 03:08 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 04:32 PM
Former interim government advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has joined the National Citizen Party (NCP), taking on the responsibilities of party spokesperson and head of the election management committee.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the party’s Banglamotor office, Asif also announced that he would not stand in elections.
The move marks a crucial addition to the party’s leadership.
In the interim administration, Asif served as the advisor for the youth, labour, and local government ministries.
Asif said he joined the party to help realise the aspirations that drove millions of people onto the streets during the July Uprising, adding that the time had come to translate those demands into action.
NCP Convenor Nahid Islam said at the briefing that Asif had been entrusted with overseeing the party’s election management committee, a role that will involve coordinating activities for those who are not standing as candidates.
He noted that Asif had resigned from his government post earlier and formally joined the party on Monday.
“We hope that this journey with Asif Mahmud will help us achieve our goals and objectives,” Nahid said.
Asif’s induction into the NCP follows his resignation from the interim cabinet on Dec 10, a move made alongside fellow student advisor Mahfuj Alam.
Speculation had since been rife over which political formation the two advisors would join.
Following a coalition announcement with the Jamaat-e-Islami the previous day, Mahfuj had declared on social media that he would not join the NCP, while Asif confirmed he would join the party formed by frontline leaders of the Uprising.
Both student leaders had been closely associated with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus after the removal of the Awami League government.
Asif served as an advisor from the outset, while Mahfuj initially acted as a special assistant to the chief advisor before joining the advisory council as information advisor.
“The NCP has fully entered its electoral journey. Asif will manage party affairs during this period, leading those who are not standing as candidates,” Nahid said at the briefing.
The announcement came after the party’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary stepped down as head of the committee to focus on his candidacy in the Dhaka-8 constituency.
Asif had intended to seek election in Dhaka-10 and had also filed a nomination in Cumilla.
When asked if the party will field candidates in these constituencies, Nahid said: “During this election period, someone has to handle these responsibilities. Asif will manage them without contesting.
“To my knowledge, the NCP has not fielded candidates in those two constituencies. There will be a coalition candidate there, whom we will support.”
SEAT-SHARING STILL UNSETTLED
When asked about the seat-sharing arrangement with Jamaat and the status of those not standing for election, Nahid said: “Our party leaders across the country will work to secure ‘Yes’ votes in the general election. Whoever is fielded by the coalition, we will unite to support them.
“This is in the party’s interest and reflects the political decisions made by our majority. The personal sacrifices of those not contesting will be duly recognised later.”
On the unsettled seat-sharing, he added: “We have submitted 47 nomination papers, but the arrangements are not final. Some may be rejected or contain errors.
“Over the next few days, discussions will determine in which constituencies the NCP will field candidates and finalise the coalition seats.”
