National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson and former youth and sports adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has served a legal notice on Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) spokesperson and Deputy Director Akhtarul Islam, demanding withdrawal of his remarks regarding corruption allegations against him.
The notice seeks an unconditional withdrawal of Akhtarul’s statement that the ACC had found “initial evidence” of allegations involving irregularities in transfers, appointments and promotions linked to Asif Mahmud.
At a press briefing on 2 September, Akhtarul said the commission had found preliminary evidence regarding the allegations.
The statement was subsequently widely reported by the media and circulated on social media. According to the legal notice, the remarks led to a “media trial” against Asif Mahmud despite no investigation findings or specific evidence being presented publicly.
The notice said the statement created an impression that the allegations had already been established, potentially damaging Asif Mahmud’s personal and political reputation.
Later, Akhtarul reportedly told journalists in a WhatsApp group covering the ACC that he had made the statement inadvertently. He also requested reporters to leave out the phrase “initial evidence” from their reports.
However, the notice said no formal correction or withdrawal was made regarding the remarks delivered at the public briefing. As a result, the negative publicity and public perception surrounding the allegations continued, it said.
The notice also questioned the accuracy of some of the allegations.
It said an allegation concerning the cancellation of the temporary responsibilities of 38 upazila youth development officers was incorrect, claiming that the responsibilities of 112 officers had actually been cancelled.
According to the notice, the ministry implemented the decision in compliance with an order of the Administrative Appellate Tribunal.
The notice also rejected allegations that Asif Mahmud was involved in the promotion of 150 assistant upazila youth development officers to the post of upazila youth development officer.
It pointed out that Asif Mahmud resigned as adviser on 10 December 2025, while the promotions took place on 11 May 2026 – five months after his resignation and three months after the BNP formed the government.
The legal notice asked Akhtarul to withdraw his remarks unconditionally within 15 days and to refrain from making future statements based on information that has not been verified or supported by evidence.
It warned that failure to comply would result in legal action under Section 500 of the Penal Code and other applicable laws.
Supreme Court lawyer Muhammad Rafiqul Islam Jony served the notice on Thursday on behalf of Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.
