Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan has said he sometimes goes to Neela Market in the 300 feet area near the capital’s Purbachal to eat duck meat after finishing his work late at night.
“If Neela Market remains closed at dawn, I go to Westin Hotel in Gulshan,” he said while talking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday.
Recently, Asif Mahmud’s name has surfaced over the much-talked-about extortion of a former Awami League MP in Gulshan.
When asked about the extortion issue, he said, “As an investigation is underway, it’s not the right time to comment. However, my name has specifically been mentioned, which is surprising.”
“I knew Jane Alam Apu back in 2022 when I was involved with the Student Rights Council. After August 5, I’ve neither spoken to him nor met him,” he added.
Replying to a query from journalists, the adviser said he will resign as adviser before the schedule for the 13th national election is announced.
When asked about political aspirations, he said, “Anyone holding an advisory or state role who wants to engage in politics or elections should resign — to ensure that the election process remains beyond question. For the sake of neutrality, this would be the right thing to do.”