Asif Mahmud
Asif Mahmud | |
|---|---|
আসিফ মাহমুদ | |
 Asif Mahmud speaking to the media on the 100th day of the interim government (2024) | |
| Adviser for Youth and Sports | |
| Assumed office 9 August 2024 | |
| President | Mohammed Shahabuddin |
| Chief Adviser | Muhammad Yunus |
| Preceded by | Nazmul Hassan |
| Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives | |
| Assumed office 10 November 2024 | |
| President | Mohammed Shahabuddin |
| Chief Adviser | Muhammad Yunus |
| Preceded by | A. F. Hassan Ariff |
| Adviser for Labour and Employment | |
| In office 16 August 2024 – 10 November 2024 | |
| Chief Adviser | Muhammad Yunus |
| Preceded by | Md. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury |
| Succeeded by | M Sakhawat Hussain |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan 14 July 1998 Muradnagar, Cumilla, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh |
| Education | University of Dhaka Adamjee Cantonment College North South University |
| Occupation | Adviser Social activist |
| Profession | Student Activist Human rights activist |
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan (Bengali: আসিফ মাহমুদ সজীব ভুঁইয়া; born 14 July 1998) is a Bangladeshi student activist,[1][2] who is currently serving as an adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh.[3][4][5] He is a key coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, which led the Student–People's uprising. He is also the former president of Bangladesh Sadharon Chhatra Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad at University of Dhaka unit.[6]
Early life and education
[edit]Asif Mahmud was born on 14 July 1998 to a Bengali Muslim Bhuiyan family in the village of Aqubpur in Muradnagar, Comilla District. He was the son of Mohammad Billal Hossain and Rukhsana Begum. Mahmud studied at Nakhalpara Hossain Ali High School in Dhaka and completed his secondary education there.[7] Afterwards, he studied at Adamjee Cantonment College, where he served as the Cadet Sergeant of the college's BNCC Club. He was a student of the 2017–18 academic session in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Dhaka.[8] He is currently studying for a Master's degree at the North South University.[9][10]
Career
[edit]Mahmud was one of the coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement opposing quotas in government jobs, which evolved into a campaign to remove Hasina from power.[11] He along with Nahid Islam and others gained national recognition in mid-July 2024 when he and several other Dhaka University students were detained by police[12] as the protests became violent.[13]
In the aftermath, on August 5, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.[14] Nahid stated that their goals weren't fully met, and following Hasina's resignation, the group aimed to "abolish fascist systems forever".[15] Mahmud and his organisation called Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.[16][17]
Mahmud began his career when he, along with another coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Students Movement, Nahid Islam, was appointed as an adviser in the 2024 interim government of Bangladesh.[18] In this capacity, he took on dual responsibilities, serving as the Adviser for Youth and Sports and overseeing the Labour and Employment Ministry.[19] He was subsequently transferred from the Labour and Employment Ministry to the Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Ministry on 10 November, 2024.[20]
In April 2025, Mahmud's assistant personal secretary Moazzem Hossain was removed and barred from the Ministry following allegations of corruption.[21]
Controversies
[edit]Contractor Licence Issued to Father
[edit]In March 2025, Billal Hossain, father of Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, received a contractor license from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Cumilla. Adviser Bhuiyan initially denied knowledge of the license but later confirmed its authenticity, stating it was obtained without his consent and that no work had been undertaken using it.[22][23] On April 24, 2025, the LGED Cumilla district office officially cancelled the contractor license issued to Billal Hossain, citing procedural concerns.[24]
Firearm Magazine at Airport
[edit]In June 2025, a AK-47 firearm magazine was discovered in Asif Mahmud’s carry-on luggage during a routine security check at Shahjalal International Airport while he was traveling to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the "OIC Youth Capital International" program.[25][26] He stated that the magazine was unintentionally packed and was part of a licensed firearm he uses for personal protection. Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury clarified that no illegal activity was involved and that an investigation was underway.[27]
Assistant Graft Investigation
[edit]In May–June 2025, allegations arose regarding the conduct of his former assistant, Moazzem Hossain, who faced a travel ban and NID block as part of a graft investigation. This incident raised questions about oversight and administrative accountability within Asif Mahmud’s office.[28]
Dispute with Shakib Al Hasan
[edit]In September 2025, a public disagreement occurred between Asif Mahmud and former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan after Shakib posted a birthday message for Sheikh Hasina. Asif responded critically, and Shakib alleged that this influenced his absence from the national team.[29][30]
Political Statements and Social Media Controversies
[edit]In early 2025, Asif Mahmud made statements suggesting restrictions on certain youth political organisations, which sparked public debate. In January 2025, his social media accounts and other student-leader accounts were reportedly deactivated, raising concerns about online influence and digital control.[31][32]
Publication Controversy
[edit]His book tittled "জুলাই: জন্মভূমি অথবা মৃত্যু", published in March 2025, caused controversy for statements made regarding the 2024 student uprising.[33]
Remarks about Civic Protests
[edit]In June 2025, Ishraque Hossain publicly demanded that Asif Mahmud apologise or resign, alleging offensive remarks concerning the Dhaka South City Corporation protest movement, which allegedly belittled residents participating in the demonstrations.[34]
Statements on Extortion and Past Governance
[edit]In March 2025, Asif Mahmud remarked that "those who take extortion believe it is their right" and claimed that previous governance allowed extortion to become entrenched, which critics said deflected scrutiny from his own conduct.[35]
Political Remark about Major Party
[edit]In September 2025, he stated that efforts were being made to “bring back the Awami League (AL)” and that certain actors wanted to postpone elections for that purpose, stirring debate about neutrality and political bias.[36]
Statements on Student Uprising Mastermind
[edit]In October 2025, while testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal‑1, Asif Mahmud stated there was “no mastermind” behind the student uprising of 2024. Critics argued this contradicted earlier narratives and raised questions about his role or influence during the movement.[37]
Alleged Interference in Cricket Board Elections
[edit]In October 2025, allegations emerged claiming Asif Mahmud exerted pressure on councilors during the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election process.[38]
References
[edit]- ^ Saad, Muntakim; Rafiul Islam (9 August 2024). "From students to youngest-ever advisers". The Daily Star.
- ^ "Who is student leader Asif Mahmud?". Financial express. 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Nahid gets ICT Ministry, Asif to head Sports Ministry". Daily Sun (Bangladesh). 9 August 2024.
- ^ প্রতিবেদক, বিশেষ (2024-11-10). "উপদেষ্টা সেখ বশির বাণিজ্যে, ফারুকী সংস্কৃতিতে, স্থানীয় সরকারে এলেন সজীব ভূঁইয়া". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-11-10.
- ^ হাওলাদার, আসিফ (2024-08-08). "উপদেষ্টা পরিষদে ছাত্র আন্দোলনের দুই সমন্বয়ক". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ Hasnat, Saif; Walid, Shayeza; Das, Anupreeta (5 August 2024). "Facing Mass Protests, Bangladesh Leader Quits, Setting up Power Struggle". The New York Times.
- ^ "Meet the 2 students who are now advisers to Bangladesh's interim govt". The Business Standard. 2024-08-08. Archived from the original on 2024-08-15. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ "কোটাসংস্কার আন্দোলনের সমন্বয়ক আসিফের বাবা মর্গে ছেলের লাশ খুঁজে বেড়াচ্ছেন". Daily Naya Diganta (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ "Asif Mahmud passes masters admission test at NSU". The Financial Express. 30 April 2025.
- ^ "Adviser Asif Mahmud takes part in masters admission test at North South University". The Business Standard. 25 April 2025. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Mashal, Mujib (5 August 2024). "She Thought Her Grip Was Unbreakable. Bangladeshis Would Prove Otherwise". The New York Times.
- ^ Report, Star Digital (26 July 2024). "3 quota protest organisers 'picked up' from hospital". The Daily Star.
- ^ "Quota protest coordinators Asif, Nahid, Baker 'taken into DB custody for security reasons'". The Business Standard. 26 July 2024.
- ^ Hasnat, Saif; Mashal, Mujib; Bigg, Matthew Mpoke (5 August 2024). "Bangladesh's Leader Resigns and Flees Country After Protests". The New York Times.
- ^ Report, Star (4 August 2024). "One demand now". The Daily Star.
- ^ "Two student coordinators take oath as advisors". Prothom Alo. 9 August 2024.
- ^ "Bangladesh Crisis: Bangladesh unrest: Know who's who in Muhammad Yunus-led interim government". The Hindu.
- ^ "Two student leaders to be advisors of interim government". Prothom Alo. 8 August 2024.
- ^ "Nahid gets ICT Ministry, Asif to head Sports Ministry". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 9 August 2024.
- ^ C, S (2024-11-11). "3 surprise picks sworn in as advisers". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ প্রতিবেদক, নিজস্ব (2025-04-21). "সরিয়ে দেওয়া হলো দুই উপদেষ্টার দুই ব্যক্তিগত কর্মকর্তাকে". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ "Asif Mahmud apologizes for his father's mistake". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Asif Mahmud apologises over father's contractor licence". www.newagebd.net. 2025-07-03. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Adviser Asif's father's contractor license cancelled". The Daily Observer. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Airport police not informed about bullets in adviser Asif's bag". www.newagebd.net. Archived from the original on 2025-07-01. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Gun magazine found in Adviser Asif's bag at airport; unintentionally packed, he clarifies". The Business Standard. 2025-06-29. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ "Asif Mahmud got firearms licence through legal procedures: Home adviser". The Business Standard. 2 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Adviser Asif's ex-aide faces travel ban amid graft probe". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Shakib holds sports adviser responsible for not playing Bangladesh". The Business Standard. 29 September 2025.
- ^ "পাল্টাপাল্টি পোস্ট: আসিফ মাহমুদ- আমিই ঠিক ছিলাম, সাকিব- ফিরবো হয়তো কোনদিন". Desh Rupantor. 29 September 2025.
- ^ "Political statements controversy". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Social media account deactivation". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Book publication controversy". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Ishraque demands apology from Asif Mahmud". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Extortion remarks controversy". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "Political remark on AL". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
- ^ "No mastermind behind anti-discrimination movement: Asif Mahmud at ICT". The Business Standard. 2025-10-16. Retrieved 2025-11-04.
- ^ "BCB election interference allegations". Retrieved 2025-07-04.
External links
[edit]
Quotations related to Asif Mahmud at Wikiquote
Media related to Asif Mahmud at Wikimedia Commons
