Two student representatives in the interim government’s council of advisers — Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam — have resigned.
The information was confirmed on Wednesday evening through the Chief Adviser’s Office.
After accepting the resignation letters of the two student leaders — who had stood on the frontlines and led the July uprising — the chief adviser wished them well in their future endevours.
He said the nation would remember the way they had contributed to freeing the country from fascist rule through their leadership in the uprising, adding that he believed they would continue to play an active role in democratic transition and development.
The chief adviser said it was a historic day and that the interim government would always remember their contribution.
Yunus wished them a bright and prosperous future and said the nation would never forget what they had given in such a short time. He said this was only a transition and expressed hope that they would make even greater contributions in a broader sphere in the days ahead.
Urging the two student leaders to remain committed to the country’s welfare through their work, the Chief Adviser said the experience they had gained while serving in government must be applied in their future lives.
Earlier in the afternoon, Asif Mahmud confirmed his participation in the election at an emergency press conference at the Secretariat, but he tactfully avoided saying whether he would resign before the announcement of the schedule.
He said the matter of his resignation would be communicated by the Chief Adviser’s Office and that he must follow instructions from above, adding that it was not possible to elaborate further.
At the beginning of his tenure, Asif Mahmud was responsible for the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. After AF Hassan Ariff passed away, Mahmud was given charge of the Ministry of Local Government last November.
Since then, he had been overseeing the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Mahfuj Alam initially served as Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, appointed on 28 August last year. He was sworn in as an adviser on 10 November, although no ministry was assigned to him at that time. After Nahid Islam resigned, he was given responsibility for the information portfolio.
