Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, spokesperson of National Citizen Party (NCP), has denied allegations of laundering around Tk11,000 crore to several countries, including Australia, Dubai, and Singapore.
Speaking at a press conference at the NCP office in Banglamotor on Sunday, Asif Mahmud claimed that the allegations brought against him are “politically motivated” and expressed readiness to face any further accusations.
He explained that these accusations concern corruption in promotions originating from the tenure of BNP government, but are currently being used against him for political purposes. He added that while opponents may continue making fresh allegations daily, the party remains prepared to face them.
Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) announced an investigation into allegations of corruption and irregularities involving recruitment, transfers, and promotions at the Ministry of Youth and Sports during Asif Mahmud’s tenure as an adviser to the interim government.
Asif Mahmud has consistently called the probe politically motivated, maintaining that several decisions cited in the allegations were taken after he had relinquished office. He further noted that the cancellation of the ordinance issued for ACC reforms made it clear why and how the anti-graft commission would be used as a weapon.
At the press conference, Asif Mahmud also criticised the government’s economic and energy policies and accused the BNP of failing to fulfil its promise regarding job creation.
He alleged that although the BNP had pledged before the national election to create one crore jobs, it had instead provided employment to 50 lakh of its own party activists by creating opportunities for extortion.
He noted that while extortion money previously had to be paid at a single location, individuals must now pay at four different places.
Moreover, Asif Mahmud described the processions staged by leaders and activists of the Awami League – despite its activities being banned – as a threat to public safety.
Referring to a recent Awami League procession in the Dhaka-17 constituency, from where the BNP’s Prime Minister was elected, he questioned why the ruling BNP government was unable to stop members of the banned political party from marching.
Speaking at the same press conference, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary called on Awami League leaders and activists to return home instead of bringing out processions. He added that holding rallies or processions would serve no purpose, as their leader would not be returning in December and had no time to consider party workers.
Nasiruddin also announced that the NCP has decided to contest the upcoming local government elections independently.
He warned, however, that if any force attempts to occupy polling centres or commit election irregularities, the 11 parties of the simultaneous movement will jointly resist it on the streets.
