Asif Mahmud Slams Smear Campaign, Stresses Need for Local Government Elections
Muradnagar, Comilla – Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, has expressed frustration over what he termed as a politically motivated attempt to malign his family. Referring to recent rumors surrounding an incident in Chandpur, he stated, “You have seen how a particular class has attempted to malign my family by linking it to an incident in Chandpur. I have spoken with the Ministry of Information. As a regular citizen of the state, I will take legal action.”
Speaking to journalists during a visit to Jahapur village on Monday, 9 June, as part of a broader inspection of ongoing development projects across his home constituency in Muradnagar, Sajib said, “It is unfortunate when social media rumors make their way into mainstream media. Many do it with political motives.”
Earlier in the day, Sajib entered Muradnagar via Eliotganj on the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and visited development sites in several villages including Babutipara, Paharpur, Saliakandi, Jahapur, Shusunda, Darora, and Nohol Chowmuhani. He also stopped at the local Panti Bazaar to exchange Eid greetings with the gathered public.
Among the officials present during the visit were Superintendent of Police Nazir Ahmed Khan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Pankaj Barua, Muradnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Abdur Rahman, and Officer-in-Charge of Muradnagar Police Station Zahidur Rahman, along with other local government personnel.
Addressing the topic of local government elections, Sajib remarked, “People receive most of their services through local government institutions. Due to their current ineffectiveness, many of these services are being disrupted for a long time. This is a matter of concern for us. Although we are trying to deliver welfare-oriented services, the absence of elected local representatives is hampering the delivery of routine services.”
He emphasized that the government had always intended to hold local government elections. “There are several tiers within the local government structure. We will evaluate how much we can proceed with and, in line with the government’s decision, we may ask the Election Commission to organize the elections.”
