Questions over Asif’s responsibility in Azaz’s alleged misdeeds

Following allegations of various irregularities and corruption against Mohammad Azaz, the government has removed him from his post as administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).

The issue has sparked fresh controversy as it has emerged that Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain had recommended Azaz for the position while serving as an adviser in the interim government last year. Al Jazeera journalist Zulkarnain Saer has raised questions over the matter.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Saer wrote that Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, currently spokesperson of the National Citizen Party (NCP), had alleged that some recent decisions by the Election Commission (EC) regarding administrative reshuffles were made based on recommendations from the BNP.

“If this allegation is true, it must certainly be investigated,” he said.

He further stated that it is equally important to know why and on what grounds Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, while serving as an adviser to the interim government last year, wrote to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration recommending Mohammad Azaz—described as a leader of the banned organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir—for appointment as DNCC administrator.

Saer noted that within less than a year, Mohammad Azaz, who had been appointed on Asif’s direct recommendation, had faced multiple allegations of irregularities, corruption and bribery. The matter escalated to such an extent that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) launched an investigation into Azaz’s alleged misconduct. Moreover, following an application by the ACC, a court has imposed a travel ban on Mohammad Azaz.

“People also want to know why exactly Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain recommended Mohammad Azaz for the post of DNCC administrator. How did he know Azaz? Surely one would not write recommendation letters to appoint just anyone to such an important government position,” Saer wrote.

He concluded by questioning whether Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain would be able to evade responsibility in any way for Azaz’s alleged misdeeds.