Dhaka: Interim Government's former adviser and July mass uprising frontliner Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan today joined the National Citizen Party (NCP) and will work as the party's spokesperson and chief of its Election Steering Committee, replacing Nasiruddin Patwary. Asif also announced that he will not contest the upcoming parliamentary election, saying he will instead focus on overseeing the party's election campaign and organisational coordination ahead of the polls. The announcement was made at a press conference today at NCP office.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary declared the day as historic for the party, as Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, a key organiser of the July mass uprising, formally joined the party after resigning from his role in the interim government. Nasiruddin acknowledged Asif Mahmud's significant contribution during the uprising and his efforts within the government to achieve its goals. He also shared that he had stepped down as chief of the party's election steering committee to contest the election, passing the responsibility to Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, who will concentrate on organizational strengthening and ensuring electoral success for NCP-backed candidates.
Patwary further noted that the party's emergency political council meeting, conducted online earlier in the day, unanimously decided to appoint Asif Mahmud as party spokesperson and head of the restructured election committee, consisting of leaders not contesting the polls.
Addressing journalists after joining the party, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan reflected on the sacrifices made during the July 2024 mass uprising, highlighting the loss of nearly 1,400 activists and numerous injuries that marked the end of what he described as a 'long fascist rule.' He emphasized the significance of the post-uprising period and the upcoming election for Bangladesh, viewing them as steps towards a democratic government.
Asif Mahmud called for unity among all forces of the July uprising, especially after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, suggesting that the election provides a chance to fulfill the aspirations of the martyrs and the people. He reiterated his decision not to contest the 2025 parliamentary election, choosing instead to support his comrades from the July uprising in their bids to become parliamentary representatives.
Regarding the upcoming vote, Asif Mahmud pointed out that voters would both elect representatives and participate in a referendum. He expressed optimism that a 'Yes' vote in the referendum would propel Bangladesh a hundred years forward through reforms, with NCP committed to securing success in both the election and the referendum.