Two advisers drawn in Bangladesh's interim government from the arena of student-mass uprising-Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan -have resigned purportedly to contest national elections.
The two submitted their resignation letters to Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government Professor Muhammad Yunus around 05:00pm on Wednesday, the Chief Adviser's Office said.
The advisers went to the state guesthouse Jamuna where they submitted their resignation letters in person, and the Chief Adviser accepted them.
However, their resignations "will take effect upon the announcement of the Election Commission's schedule", says the CA office.
Shafiqul Alam, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary, said, "After receiving the resignation letters of these two student leaders, who stood at the frontlines of the July mass uprising, the Chief Adviser wished them well for the future. He told them that the nation will remember the contribution they made in freeing the country from fascistic rule through their leadership in the uprising."
The CA hopes they will continue to play an active role in democratic transition and development in the future as well, Mr Shafiqul told the media.
The head of interim government further remarked that the day marked a historic moment. "The interim government will always remember your contributions. I wish you a bright and prosperous future. What you have given to the nation in such a short time will never be forgotten. This is merely a transition. I hope that you will contribute even more meaningfully in a broader sphere in the days ahead."
Urging the two leaders to remain committed to the welfare of the country through their work, he added, "The experience you have gained while serving in government will undoubtedly be of use in your future lives."
Their resignations were well perceived as both of them intended to stand in the upcoming parliamentary polls.
As per the rules, members of the interim government cannot contest elections while holding office.
Mahfuz and Asif along with Nahid Islam were appointed to the interim council as leaders drawn directly from the July 2024 uprising that toppled the Awami League government on August 5 last year.
Responding to a question at a press conference earlier in the Secretariat, Asif Mahmud said, "I will contest the election - that's clear. But from where, and under which party, is a matter for later reflection."
Mahfuz had been responsible for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while Bhuiyan oversaw the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, as well as the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Their resignations downsize the advisory council to 21 members,
from 23.
The interim administration, formed under Nobel-laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus on 8 August 2024, was intended to stabilise the country following mass protests against authoritarian governance, corruption and alleged rights abuses under Sheikh Hasina's final years in power.
Student activists - many of whom emerged as public figures during the uprising - were given formal roles in the new government, raising expectations for generational reform.
Earlier this year, the other student leader, Md Nahid Islam, quit the advisory council and subsequently became convener of the newly launched National Citizens Party (NCP), a political formation led by young figures straight from the uprising.
His departure had been interpreted as the first sign of fragmentation among the youth bloc that swept Yunus to transitional authority.
Mahfuz's political trajectory has been notable. Initially appointed Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on August 28 last year, he was sworn in as adviser on November 10 without a ministry assignment. Following Nahid Islam's exit, Mahfuz assumed charge of the information ministry.
Asif Mahmud, meanwhile, entered the council with the labour and youth portfolios before being assigned to local government in November, replacing the late A F Hasan Ariff. His expanding portfolio reflected growing trust within the administration - making his resignation still more politically consequential.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
