Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a former adviser to the interim government, has formally joined the Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) but announced that he will not contest the upcoming national election. He will serve as the party’s spokesperson.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam confirmed the development at a press conference held at the NCP office in Banglamotor, Dhaka, on Monday (29 December).

Speaking at the briefing, Nahid Islam said Asif Mahmud has officially joined the NCP and has been warmly welcomed by the party.

He said the NCP has fully entered the electoral race, but Asif Mahmud will not run as a candidate. Instead, he will work to help NCP-nominated candidates win the election. Nahid added that Asif Mahmud has been appointed head of the party’s Election Management Committee.

Addressing the media, Asif Mahmud said Bangladesh is moving towards a democratic process and stressed that unity among all forces of the July mass uprising remains crucial.

He said the election has once again created an opportunity to remain united, which motivated him to join the NCP.

He said contributing to the election of many of his fellow July uprising activists to parliament, rather than seeking a seat for himself, would be a greater success.

He expressed confidence that Bangladesh can successfully navigate this democratic transition in a peaceful, fair and non-violent manner.

Asif Mahmud also said that voting “yes” in the referendum would push Bangladesh forward by a century through reforms, adding that he would make his utmost effort to ensure the election of his allies and to mobilise support for a “yes” vote in the referendum on behalf of the NCP.

Earlier, Asif Mahmud had announced plans to contest the election as an independent candidate. Despite speculation about his possible alignment with several political parties, he stated on 12 December that he would run independently.
Bringing an end to all speculation, he ultimately joined the NCP on Monday.