Asif Mahmud submits wealth statement

Bangla Press Desk:  Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, outgoing adviser of the interim government, has submitted his wealth statement to the government as he is preparing to contest in the upcoming national election.

Asif Mahmud said this at a press conference at the conference room of the Local Government Division on Wednesday.I have already submitted my wealth statement this morning, and I have also cancelled my diplomatic passport," he said.

Responding to a question on whether he would contest in the election with the National Citizen Party (NCP) ticket, Asif said, “There was no ambiguity about contesting in the polls, but no final decision has been made yet.’

“If a final decision is taken, all of you will know. I have said earlier, it would not be accurate to assume that I will join or participate with the ticket of that party which was floated by my comrades of July movement.”

“I hope everything will become clear in a few days. I believe the media should focus on objective information,” he added.

The outgoing advisor said that after the ousting of the previous Awami League government, freedom of speech had been restored in Bangladesh.

He said, “However, in some cases, many have misused it—including some media outlets. We tried to clarify these issues from our end."

"Freedom of speech will persist, and I expect that everyone will ensure its proper and sincere use. I will try to practice it, and I hope you will do the same,” he added.

Local Government Secretary Md Rezaul Maksud Jahedi and other senior officials of the ministry were present.

BP/SP