No one has died just for an Election: Asif Mahmud

Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan, Adviser to the Interim Government’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, shared an important message about the recent political upheavals in Bangladesh.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday morning after distributing winter clothes to the poor in Thakurgaon, he said, "No one has given their life just for an election or a vote."

The adviser stressed the importance of addressing the real issues at hand, saying, "The core demand of this movement was the fall of autocrat Sheikh Hasina and the end of the fascist system. The government has brought the country‍‍`s institutions under a fascist rule, leaving everything in ruins, including financial institutions. We believe that reforms are crucial now. We cannot forget that more than 2,000 people lost their lives and over 20,000 were injured during this struggle."

He went on to explain that the families of martyrs and the injured are also calling for reforms. "The government’s clear mandate is to push forward with these reforms. Our commissions have been working for three months, and soon they will present their recommendations. We will then consult with stakeholders and move toward implementing the necessary changes before elections can take place," he added.

When asked about the lack of support for the injured in Thakurgaon, Asif Mahmud shared that he had personally spoken with several of them.

"I’ve also been in touch with local representatives. We are in contact with the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, which coordinates the care for the injured. We are doing everything we can to help, and I hope these issues will be resolved soon."

Asif Mahmud concluded with a powerful message about the future of the country.

"We are committed to building Bangladesh the way the people want. We want to create institutions that are people-friendly, and we will work towards that goal."

During the event, other local officials, including Mohammad Mamun Biswas, Executive Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Thakurgaon.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sardar Mostafa Shahin, Additional Police Superintendent Liza Begum, and Upazila Executive Officer Palash Kumar Debnath, also spoke about the ongoing efforts to bring positive change to the region.