Asif Mahmud Gives ACC 24-Hour Ultimatum Over ‘Initial Evidence’ Remark
DHAKA, Bangladesh — National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has given the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) 24 hours to apologies and withdraw its statement that “initial evidence” had been found against him in an alleged corruption inquiry.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NCP central office in Dhaka’s Banglamotor on Wednesday, Asif said he would issue a legal notice to the ACC if it failed to apologies within the deadline.
“If the ACC does not apologise within 24 hours for the defamation caused to me, I will send them legal notice,” he said.
The ACC earlier Wednesday announced an inquiry into alleged corruption and irregularities involving the Department of Youth Development. The inquiry includes Asif, who previously served as youth and sports adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, along with three other officials.
Asif rejects allegations
Asif rejected the allegations, saying the decisions under scrutiny were taken in accordance with a court order and recommendations from the Public Service Commission.
He alleged that the ACC’s remarks were being used to spread disinformation against him for political purposes.
“It is clear that an attempt has been made to spread disinformation against me for political purposes,” Asif said. “Some are trying to use this as a political weapon to suppress opposition parties and dissenting voices.”
According to Asif, the ACC spokesperson initially told reporters that “primary evidence” had been found against him over the alleged irregularities. The spokesperson later said in a WhatsApp group that the remark was a “slip of the tongue,” he added.
Accuses ACC of character assassination
Asif accused the anti-graft commission of engaging in what he described as “character assassination.”
He said he was willing to cooperate with any lawful investigation and provide the authorities with all relevant documents.
“I am ready to cooperate with any lawful inquiry and provide all relevant documents,” he said, while urging the investigating agency to act responsibly.
“But the investigating agency also has to act responsibly,” he added.
What happens next
Asif’s 24-hour ultimatum sets the stage for possible legal action against the ACC if the commission does not withdraw or apologise for the remarks. The ACC’s inquiry into the alleged irregularities is expected to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.
