For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Local Government Advisor Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said he intends to contest in the next parliamentary polls as an independent candidate.
On Sunday afternoon, he said, though he has not yet decided from where he will stand, he hopes, “It will be from Dhaka, God willing,” according to bdnews24.com.
Asked whether he would run under the banner of any political party, Asif said, “For now, the plan is to contest as an independent. We will see what unfolds.”
On Sunday, Asif visited the Dhanmondi election office to submit a voter application. He was previously registered as a voter in Cumilla-3 (Muradnagar).
The visit came ahead of the deadline on Monday for applications to transfer voter areas for the polls set before Ramadan in February next year.
Political parties are expected to begin discussions with the commission from Nov 13. The campaigning is already underway.
As a former coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement, Asif has maintained a hands-on role in politics since February, when the political arm of the National Citizen Party (NCP) emerged and Nahid Islam assumed party leadership after leaving the advisory post.
Regarding coordination with other political parties, he said: “I have not had any discussions with anyone. Whether any seat is left vacant is not my concern. I will make my decision independently.”
Asif, who served as a student representative in the interim government formed after the July Uprising, said he will definitely participate in the election.
“When I will resign is also largely dependent on decisions at the highest levels of the government. I will discuss this and inform you about it soon,” he added.