Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan issued a public apology on social media on Thursday after it was revealed that his father had obtained a contractor’s license from the district executive engineer’s office—sparking controversy due to concerns over conflict of interest.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Adviser Asif acknowledged that a journalist contacted him around 9 PM last night regarding a license issued in his father’s name. After confirming with his father, he initially verified that the license was indeed issued from the relevant district office and shared this with the journalist, which later led to media coverage and public scrutiny.
Clarifying the matter, Asif Mahmud said his father is the headmaster of Akubpur Yakub Ali Bhuiya Public High School and was advised by a local contractor to apply for the license to facilitate the contractor’s work.
“As a citizen, anyone has the right to obtain a business license. However, since I currently hold a portfolio in a related ministry, this situation clearly constitutes a conflict of interest,” he explained.
He added that his father may not have fully understood the implications of such a conflict and apologised on his behalf. “Following my explanation, my father submitted a request for license cancellation, which has now been processed,” he confirmed.
Sajib also emphasised that during the interim period, the license was never used to apply for or conduct any government work.
He also posted a copy of the cancellation letter issued on Thursday by the Executive Engineer’s Office in Cumilla, under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED). The LGED operates under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, where Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan serves as an Adviser (minister).