I learnt a lot and worked to uphold the spirit of the July uprising: Asif Mahmud

Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan, who served for 16 months as the student representative in the Interim Government’s Advisory Council, has said he learned a great deal during his tenure and worked to uphold the spirit of the July uprising throughout his time in office.

He shared the reflections in a Facebook post on Thursday, 11 December.

“As I look back on the past sixteen months, I realize how much I have been able to learn,” Asif wrote. “I tried to give my best effort. I worked with determination, ignoring obstacles, threats and intimidation. By the mercy of Allah and with your support, I tried to stay true to the spirit of the July mass uprising.”

Noting that many decisions sparked discussion and criticism, he added: “There are praises and criticisms for many initiatives and actions. However, what people see is the ‘end result’; the hard and challenging effort behind the implementation often remains unseen.”

He further wrote that he continued his work with trust in the people:
“By staying committed to principles during and after the mass uprising, I have made many powerful individuals and groups my adversaries. I have faced retaliation and hostility, and perhaps will continue to face it in the future. But the love, support and trust I have received from you have removed my fear. My strength lies in my people.”

Asif Mahmud initially served in the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. After the late A.F. Hassan Ariff was removed, Asif was given responsibility for the Ministry of Local Government in November last year. Since then, he had been overseeing both the Local Government Ministry and the Youth and Sports Ministry.

DBTech/ST/IK/OR