Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, former interim government sports adviser and spokesperson for the National Citizens Party (NCP), has stated that he is willing to accept punishment if any allegations of corruption against him are proven in connection with the ban on cricketer Shakib Al Hasan from playing for Bangladesh.
He made the remarks on Friday evening after attending an iftar gathering organized by the NCP at Shyampur Police Station in the capital.
Responding to complaints filed by supporters of Shakib with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Asif Mahmud said a group had formed a mob and submitted allegations claiming that preventing the cricketer from playing amounted to corruption. He added that he would accept any consequences if the accusations against him are substantiated.
Earlier, speaking at the iftar event, the NCP spokesperson said the party aims to foster a new political culture by addressing citizens’ concerns. He noted that the party has launched regular grassroots outreach programmes in preparation for the upcoming local government elections.
Ward-level and central leaders of the NCP were also present at the event. Asif expressed hope that the party would work to identify and resolve issues at the ward level.
On Thursday, a group of Shakib’s supporters submitted a complaint to the ACC against Asif Mahmud. According to ACC sources, 20 to 30 individuals gathered at the commission’s office around noon, chanting slogans in support of Shakib before filing the complaint.