Dhaka: Two advisers in Bangladesh’s interim government stepped down on Wednesday, just as the Election Commission (EC) prepared to announce the schedule for the country’s February elections. The resignations of Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan came shortly after the EC issued a directive barring government advisers from contesting polls while in office.
The two officials were appointed as part of the transitional administration following the mass protests of August 2024, which led to the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Both Alam and Bhuiyan had been selected from Students Against Discrimination (SAD), the student-led movement that played a central role in the upheaval that reshaped the political landscape.
Why the Advisers Stepped Down
According to the EC’s directive, advisers in the interim government must relinquish their posts if they wish to stand in the upcoming election. The rule effectively required any adviser with electoral ambitions to step aside before the Commission released the official schedule.
Bhuiyan indicated he resigned with the intention to contest, though he did not specify the constituency or party platform he plans to pursue. Alam, who also resigned under the same directive, has not yet revealed whether he intends to enter the race or remain outside electoral politics.
Roles Held in the Interim Government
Mahfuj Alam was responsible for overseeing the Information and Broadcasting Ministry within the interim administration. His role placed him at the centre of the government’s communication efforts and media oversight during a period of political transition.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan headed the Local Government portfolio, giving him responsibilities related to municipal affairs and governance structures at the local level.
Their resignations follow that of another SAD leader, Nahid Islam, who stepped down earlier to launch the National Citizen Party (NCP). Islam’s departure had signalled that SAD figures were beginning to position themselves independently ahead of the polls.
SAD’s Influence on the Interim Setup
Students Against Discrimination emerged as a major political force during the August 2024 protests, which were pivotal in bringing down the previous government. The interim administration’s inclusion of SAD leaders was seen as recognition of the movement’s central role. With three of its prominent members now having left their advisory roles, the group’s political future appears to be widening ahead of the February election.
Next Steps for the Election Commission
The EC is expected to announce the full election schedule shortly. With the new directive now in effect, the Commission has clarified its stance on candidate eligibility to prevent any conflict of interest within the interim government.
As Bangladesh enters the formal election period, the resignations have intensified speculation about how many members of the transitional leadership will seek electoral mandates, and how SAD’s influence may translate into formal political power.
