"Mahfuj almost failed as adviser, he wants slaves, not friends"

Al Amin Rakib Tonoy, a lecturer in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) and former convener of the search committee for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has launched sharp criticism against his former close friend and ex-adviser Mahfuj Alam.

In a post on his personal Facebook account late Sunday night (28 December), Tonoy claimed that Mahfuj was largely unsuccessful as an adviser and that he seeks subservient loyalty rather than genuine friendship.

Referring to a recent post by Mahfuj Alam that included the line “If you care to join me, you are welcome”, Tonoy wrote that in reality, “in most cases you are not welcome at all”. He described it as nearly impossible to work with Mahfuj either as a friend or political associate, because Mahfuj prefers people who obey his every word without question.

Tonoy acknowledged that Mahfuj was once one of his closest friends during university life and that he still respects his knowledge, wisdom, and foresight. He also expressed personal gratitude for the long time they spent together.

However, over time, the relationship has turned into that of “former friends”, he said, adding that it was because of Mahfuj that he remained associated with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in one way or another from 18 August 2024 until the day he resigned.

Explaining why he is now criticising, Tonoy said Mahfuj was almost a failure as an adviser. Although Mahfuj himself has presented an account of his work, Tonoy promised to detail what was needed in the ministry, what was done, and what was not done.

He emphasised that this criticism is not driven by personal grudge or envy, but as a former convener of the search committee of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, he is expressing his opinion on the performance of a former adviser.