BNP Leader Ishraq Hossain Demands Resignation of Advisors Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam
BNP leader Engineer Ishraq Hossain has called for the resignation of Youth and Sports Advisor Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan and Information and Broadcasting Advisor Mahfuz Alam from all their duties in the interim government. He made this demand in a post on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday, May 21.
In his post, Ishraq wrote, “In the language of democracy and political etiquette, I call upon Advisors Asif Mahmud and Mahfuz Alam to resign from all responsibilities in the interim government for logical reasons. It is evident that you are associated with a political party and may directly engage in politics in the future. It is also clear that you intend to contest elections. Is the demand for your resignation unreasonable? Or would it be the right step to end the political controversy surrounding you?”
Citing the example of Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, Ishraq noted, “Your colleague Nahid Islam set a precedent by resigning. He could have continued as a minister before joining the NCP. Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah could have taken up ministerial roles if they had strongly demanded them, but they chose a path of political engagement. Perhaps one day, elected by the people’s vote, they will assume ministerial responsibilities with full authority and honor.”
He added, “Your resignation would enhance the interim government’s image of neutrality. I believe that by directly engaging in politics and gaining experience through party and organizational work, you can contribute more effectively to the nation and its people. Holding onto power will inevitably lead to favoritism toward your party members, and there is no possibility or capacity for you to remain completely neutral. No one can.”
Clarifying his stance, Ishraq said, “You might think I’m creating public inconvenience by supporting a movement to become an ‘illegal mayor’ out of greed for power, preaching morality to appear virtuous. Haven’t I faced enough criticism for this? But I had no other option. It was necessary to make the public understand that you are being led down the wrong path. It’s clear to anyone with basic political sense that the efforts to obstruct me are a collective decision. However, I believe this was a flawed policy, and you, Asif Bhuiyan, have been used. If you cannot respect the rule of law and court decisions, how will state reforms begin? Criticize as much as you want later, and see what I actually do. For now, I must complete the full process.”
He further wrote, “The old system is being followed and even strengthened. There’s no room to back down from the demand for your resignation. Why do you insist on staying?”
