Asif Mahmud joins NCP, not to contest polls

NCP Convener Nahid Islam made the announcement at an emergency press briefing held at the party’s temporary office in the city's Banglamotor in the evening.

“Asif is our long-time associate. Through discussions at the party forum, we have decided to appoint him as the party spokesperson. He will also serve as the chief of NCP’s election management committee,” Nahid said.

He said although NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary had been overseeing the election management committee so far, the responsibility has now been handed over to Asif as Patwary is contesting the upcoming election. “The committee will be reorganised under Asif’s leadership,” Nahid said.

Reacting to his joining the party, Asif said he would not contest the election this time.

“Rather than going to Parliament alone, I believe my journey will be meaningful if I can help send my comrades to Parliament to fulfil the aspirations of the July uprising. That is why I joined NCP,” he said.

Asif also said he would work on the frontlines of NCP’s election campaign and urged voters to cast a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum. “If you vote ‘Yes’, Bangladesh will move 100 years ahead and the aspirations of July will be fulfilled,” he said.

Earlier, on December 10, Asif resigned from his post as adviser. He had previously announced plans to contest the election from the Dhaka-10 constituency. Although there had been speculation about his possible joining of Gono Adhikar Parishad, he ultimately chose to join NCP, reports UNB.