A confessional video by Jane Alam Apu, an expelled leader of the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council, arrested in connection with an extortion case at a former MP’s residence in Gulshan, has gone viral on social media. In the video, Apu implicated Adviser Asif Mahmud in the extortion incident. However, Asif Mahmud has categorically denied these allegations, stating that he has no involvement in the extortion case. He made these remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the Secretariat on Thursday, August 14.Regarding Jane Alam Apu’s video, Asif Mahmud said, “I knew Jane Alam Apu in 2022. After August 5, I have neither met nor spoken with him. I was quite surprised to hear such claims.” He further added, “I have no connection with the extortion. The allegations being made are politically motivated. It is being said that Apu’s statement was taken under duress.”
Addressing questions about resigning from his advisory role and his involvement in politics, Asif Mahmud said, “People only talk about me, Mahfuz Bhai, or the student advisers because of our prominence. However, there are many others in this government with prior political affiliations. Some may still be involved in politics and might participate in elections in the future. I believe everyone should resign before the election schedule is announced.”
He added, “I will resign myself because I want to engage in politics. However, I haven’t decided yet whether I will contest in the elections. Whether I will join the NCP after resigning is also not decided yet.”
