Adviser Asif Mahmud apologises over father's contractor licence

Adviser to the local government and sports ministries Mr Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has publicly apologised through Facebook.

The apology was issued through a post on Asif mahmud's verified Facebook page around 11:30 am on Thursday, where he expressed regret over his father's contractor licence and sought to clarify the situation.

“At around 9:00 pm last night (Wednesday), a journalist called and inquired about a contractor's licence issued in favour of my father's name. After speaking to my father, I confirmed that he had indeed obtained a licence at the district level (issued by the district executive engineer). I conveyed this to the journalist, who later published the information," he wrote.

Asif Mahmud said that the issue had sparked public discussion and criticism, prompting him to provide an explanation.

He stated that his father is a school teacher and currently serves as the headmaster of Akubpur Yakub Ali Bhuyan Public High School.

The adviser said a local contractor had advised his father to obtain a licence so that opportunities for work orders related to works, goods and services can be accessed easily.

"Any individual in the country is free to obtain any licence for business purposes. However, while I am responsible for the relevant ministry, my father's involvement in a contracting business clearly constitutes a conflict of interest.

“After explaining the matter, the licence was cancelled on Thursday following my father's application," wrote Asif Mahmud.

The adviser added that the licence had not been used to apply for any work in the meantime.

jasimharoon@yahoo.com