Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan has demanded an investigation into Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, the adviser for the local government and sports ministries.
His former APS Md Moazzem Hossain committed so many corrupt acts and "yet our Honourable Adviser Asif Mahmud knew nothing?” Rashed asked during a press briefing at a restaurant in Jhenaidah town on Wednesday morning.
“Just as an investigation is being carried out against APS Moazzem, I demand that an investigation be launched into Asif Mahmud as well, as his ministry has been the subject of the most corruption reports in the media,” he said.
Rashed further demanded that not just one but every adviser should face investigation.
Highlighting that this government was formed through a student-led mass uprising, Rashed said: “This government is taking unilateral decisions, which are unacceptable. Such unilateralism reminds us of the autocratic behaviour of Sheikh Hasina. The government has fixed a tentative election date for April without considering the opinions of major political parties.”
He reminded the interim government that it is a product of a mass uprising, adding: “If this government fails, the nation will not forgive them. We have criticized this government, we have criticized the work of the advisers, but not once did we call for the resignation of the chief adviser. And yet, the public has been made to witness the theatrics of a resignation.”
Rashed warned that the announcement of a tentative election date in the first half of April next year might be linked to a renewed 1/11-style conspiracy.
He said: “The new reform proposal by the Election Reform Commission states that if voter turnout is less than 40%, re-election should be held in those constituencies and centres. April is a hot month, and during this time, people are busy harvesting crops. Naturally, voter turnout will be low. If they can show less than 40% turnout, the interim government will stay in power. We want to make it clear that a new 1/11-style plot is being activated, through different means.”
Rashed also said that the government has yet to arrest any member of the Sheikh family.
“Fugitive Awami League criminals are now threatening and spreading misinformation about the leaders of the mass uprising, including the chief adviser. My question is—how did these criminals from the Awami League, the Sheikh family, and so-called MPs from the controversial election manage to flee the country? Who helped them escape? The government must be held accountable. Advisers of the government are now guarding the wealth of fugitive MPs and ministers of the Awami League.”