Asif Mahmud

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Asif Mahmud
আসিফ মাহমুদ
Portrait of Asif Mahmud
Asif Mahmud speaking to the media on the 100th day of the interim government (2024)
Adviser for Youth and Sports
In office
9 August 2024 – 10 December 2025
PresidentMohammed Shahabuddin
Chief AdviserMuhammad Yunus
Preceded byNazmul Hassan
Succeeded byAsif Nazrul
Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives
In office
10 November 2024 – 10 December 2025
PresidentMohammed Shahabuddin
Chief AdviserMuhammad Yunus
Preceded byA. F. Hassan Ariff
Succeeded byAdilur Rahman Khan
Adviser for Labour and Employment
In office
16 August 2024 – 10 November 2024
Chief AdviserMuhammad Yunus
Preceded byMd. Nazrul Islam Chowdhury
Succeeded byM Sakhawat Hussain
Personal details
BornAsif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan
(1998-07-14) 14 July 1998 (age 27)
Muradnagar, Cumilla, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
EducationUniversity of Dhaka
Adamjee Cantonment College
North South University
OccupationAdviser
Social activist
ProfessionStudent Activist
Human rights activist

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan (Bengali: আসিফ মাহমুদ সজীব ভুঁইয়া; born 14 July 1998) is a Bangladeshi student activist,[1][2] who was an adviser to the Interim government of Bangladesh.[3][4][5] He is a key coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, which led the July Revolution. He is also the former president of Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad at University of Dhaka unit.[6]

Early life and education

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Asif Mahmud was born on 14 July 1998 to a Bengali Muslim Bhuiyan family in the village of Aqubpur in Muradnagar, Comilla District. He was the son of Mohammad Billal Hossain and Rukhsana Begum. Mahmud studied at Nakhalpara Hossain Ali High School in Dhaka and completed his secondary education there.[7] Afterwards, he studied at Adamjee Cantonment College, where he served as the Cadet Sergeant of the college's BNCC Club. He was a student of the 2017–18 academic session in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Dhaka.[8] He is currently studying for a Master's degree at the North South University.[9][10]

Career

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Mahmud was one of the coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination opposing quotas in government jobs, which evolved into a campaign to remove Hasina from power.[11] He along with Nahid Islam and others gained national recognition in mid-July 2024 when he and several other Dhaka University students were detained by police[12] as the protests became violent.[13]

In the aftermath, on August 5, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.[14] Nahid stated that their goals weren't fully met, and following Hasina's resignation, the group aimed to "abolish fascist systems forever".[15] Mahmud and his organisation called Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to lead an interim government.[16][17]

Mahmud began his career when he, along with another coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, Nahid Islam, was appointed as an adviser in the Interim government of Bangladesh.[18] In this capacity, he took on dual responsibilities, serving as the Adviser for Youth and Sports and overseeing the Labour and Employment.[19] He was subsequently transferred from the Labour and Employment Ministry to the Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives on 10 November, 2024.[20]

In April 2025, Mahmud's assistant personal secretary Moazzem Hossain was removed and barred from the Ministry following allegations of corruption.[21]

Controversies

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Contractor Licence Issued to Father

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In March 2025, Billal Hossain, father of Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, received a contractor license from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Cumilla. Adviser Bhuiyan initially denied knowledge of the license but later confirmed its authenticity, stating it was obtained without his consent and that no work had been undertaken using it.[22][23] On April 24, 2025, the LGED Cumilla district office officially cancelled the contractor license issued to Billal Hossain, citing procedural concerns.[24]

Firearm Magazine at Airport

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In June 2025, a AK-47 firearm magazine was discovered in Asif Mahmud’s carry-on luggage during a routine security check at Shahjalal International Airport while he was traveling to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the "OIC Youth Capital International" program.[25][26] He stated that the magazine was unintentionally packed and was part of a licensed firearm he uses for personal protection. Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury clarified that no illegal activity was involved and that an investigation was underway.[27]

Assistant Graft Investigation

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In May–June 2025, allegations arose regarding the conduct of his former assistant, Moazzem Hossain, who faced a travel ban and NID block as part of a graft investigation. This incident raised questions about oversight and administrative accountability within Asif Mahmud’s office.[28]

Dispute with Shakib Al Hasan

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In September 2025, a public disagreement occurred between Asif Mahmud and former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan after Shakib posted a birthday message for Sheikh Hasina. Asif responded critically, and Shakib alleged that this influenced his absence from the national team.[29][30]

Political Statements and Social Media Controversies

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In early 2025, Asif Mahmud made statements suggesting restrictions on certain youth political organisations, which sparked public debate. In January 2025, his social media accounts and other student-leader accounts were reportedly deactivated, raising concerns about online influence and digital control.[31][32]

Publication Controversy

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His book titled "জুলাই: জন্মভূমি অথবা মৃত্যু", published in March 2025, caused controversy for statements made regarding the 2024 student uprising.[33]

Remarks about Civic Protests

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In June 2025, Ishraque Hossain publicly demanded that Asif Mahmud apologise or resign, alleging offensive remarks concerning the Dhaka South City Corporation protest movement, which allegedly belittled residents participating in the demonstrations.[34]

Statements on Extortion and Past Governance

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In March 2025, Asif Mahmud remarked that "those who take extortion believe it is their right" and claimed that previous governance allowed extortion to become entrenched, which critics said deflected scrutiny from his own conduct.[35]

Political Remark about Major Party

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In September 2025, he stated that efforts were being made to "bring back the Awami League (AL)" and that certain actors wanted to postpone elections for that purpose, stirring debate about neutrality and political bias.[36]

Statements on Student Uprising Mastermind

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In October 2025, while testifying before the International Crimes Tribunal‑1, Asif Mahmud stated there was "no mastermind" behind the student uprising of 2024. Critics argued this contradicted earlier narratives and raised questions about his role or influence during the movement.[37]

Alleged Interference in Cricket Board Elections

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In October 2025, allegations emerged claiming Asif Mahmud exerted pressure on councilors during the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) election process.[38]

References

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  • Quotations related to Asif Mahmud at Wikiquote
  • Error creating thumbnail: File missing Media related to Lua error in Module:Commons_link at line 62: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). at Wikimedia Commons
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