It is already widely known that Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan – an adviser appointed to the interim government’s advisory council from among the student leaders who spearheaded last year’s July uprising – intends to contest the forthcoming national election. However, what he told the media last Thursday was genuinely explosive. Asif Mahmud stated, “I’ve already announced that I will take part in the election. Besides us two student advisers, there is talk that several others involved with the interim government may also contest.”

Regarding his preparations for the polls, he added, “I will resign before entering the race, and only then will I participate. I am preparing according to that plan.” He further noted that other procedural matters of government and election-related issues would be decided following discussions at the highest level of government.

When journalists asked from which political party he intended to stand, Asif replied, “It’s better not to comment on political matters.”

It is common knowledge that the two student advisers – Asif Mahmud and Mahfuj Alam – will be competing in the upcoming national elections. Political parties are strongly opposed to and frustrated by this development. During a meeting with the chief adviser, several parties demanded that both advisers resign. Media reports suggested that despite being asked to step down, the two refused. Both hold portfolios directly connected to the election process. The local government ministry and the information ministry are among the most sensitive and consequential ministries in the run-up to national polls. If the chief adviser conducts the election within the promised timeframe, no more than two and a half months remain. For these advisers to retain their posts during this period is not only unethical but clearly biased. While discomfort already existed regarding these two advisers, Asif Mahmud’s assertion that additional advisers may also run has heightened concerns. His statement has two major implications.

First, if Asif Mahmud’s remarks are accurate, the neutrality of the interim government will face serious doubt. The administration would undermine its own claim to impartiality. It must be remembered that this government assumed responsibility with a pledge to rise above party politics. The chief adviser has repeatedly asserted that the government is wholly neutral. Recently, the Supreme Court restored the caretaker government system in a historic ruling and directed that the 14th national election be held under that framework. One reason the forthcoming election was exempted from caretaker oversight was the presumed neutrality of the current administration. The public expects this government, particularly during the election period, to act impartially. Failure to uphold that expectation would constitute a betrayal of the nation. And if several advisers do indeed contest the polls, the election, whatever else it may be, cannot be described as neutral. A disputed and controversial election will inevitably destabilise the country. It is therefore essential, in the national interest, that the government clearly state its position on Asif Mahmud’s comments. If his claims are correct, it must be seriously questioned whether a free, fair, and neutral election is possible under this advisory council.

Conversely, if his statement is untrue, then Asif Mahmud should resign without delay. One individual cannot be allowed to jeopardise a long-awaited election. Has he considered how his remarks have cast the entire advisory council into controversy?

These two student advisers have repeatedly embarrassed the government with contentious public statements. Such immature behaviour is wholly unacceptable at this critical moment.

According to media reports, the two advisers are linked to the newly formed political party NCP. Other reports claim that the NCP has struggled to form alliances because of their involvement. Thus, they alone are capable of rendering the upcoming election controversial. And if the election becomes disputed, all achievements and aspirations will evaporate.

The interim government must therefore immediately and unequivocally demonstrate its neutrality. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus must take a firm and decisive stance.

Audite Karim is a writer

and playwright. Email: [email protected]