Asif Nazrul’s Alleged Bid for Chief Advisor Post Sparks Political Debate

Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul, an advisor to the current interim government, has found himself at the center of a political storm following explosive comments by Nasiruddin Patwari, the chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP).

Patwari claimed that Nazrul had expressed interest in becoming the chief advisor of an interim government. This statement has become the talk of the town, fueling widespread curiosity and intense debate in political circles.

During a roundtable meeting held on Tuesday afternoon at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Patwari stated, "Asif Nazrul wanted to be the chief advisor. Now the ball is in his court, let's see how he plays." The meeting was organized by the NCP.

Following this remark, discussions around Asif Nazrul’s role and intentions have intensified, with political commentators and social media users dissecting the claim. Many are questioning whether Nazrul genuinely sought the position, or if it is merely Patwari’s personal opinion. The incident has triggered a flood of analysis and opinions across the country.

The very next day, on Wednesday, Patwari again addressed the matter in a press conference held at Rupayan Center in the capital. This time, he spoke about the July agreement concerning the Law Ministry’s trustworthiness, stating that there is a lack of faith in Nazrul. He emphasized that they would only sign the draft when it reflected the people's hopes, aspirations, and the principles of the people’s movement.

Meanwhile, Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the Gana Adhikar Parishad, raised further questions about Asif Nazrul’s potential role as chief advisor. He posted on Facebook, asking, “To whom did Asif Nazrul propose himself as the chief advisor?”

Rashed also brought attention to a video circulating on social media, in which Nahid Islam proposes forming an interim government with Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the head after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5. He pointed out that discussions about forming a new government with Yunus had occurred even before the political upheaval, leading to questions about Nazrul’s involvement in these plans.

According to Rashed, "Before Hasina’s fall, Nahid Islam and his associates had already laid the groundwork for a new government, which raises the question—did Asif Nazrul, upon learning of this, suggest that Yunus be replaced with him as chief advisor? Nahid Islam has never publicly mentioned such an idea. The book Gono Abhyuthaner Itihash by Asif Mahmud also does not mention this. Why, then, has Nasiruddin Patwari brought up this absurd claim now, and what is his real motive?"

Despite the growing controversy, Asif Nazrul has refrained from making any public statements on the matter, and the government has yet to issue an official response.