Speculation is growing that Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, who recently stepped down as advisers to the interim government, may join the National Citizens Party (NCP). Several senior party sources say discussions are ongoing at different levels, with interest from both sides. If an agreement is reached, new positions could be created within the party for them.

It is widely believed that Mahfuz will contest the Lakshmipur-1 (Ramganj) constituency, while Asif is preparing to run from Dhaka-10, which includes Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, New Market and Hazaribagh areas. Earlier, there were rumours that both might join the BNP and seek election under the party’s symbol. However, the BNP has already announced candidates in those two constituencies.

After the BNP named its candidate for Dhaka-10, Asif reportedly held talks with leaders of Gono Odhikar Parishad about possible political alignment. Asif previously served as president of the Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, the student wing led by former DUCSU vice president Nurul Haque. He is still in contact with that group. Amid this, fresh discussion about joining the NCP has emerged.

NCP leaders have confirmed that informal communication is taking place with both Mahfuz and Asif. Party leaders are keen to bring them into the NCP. Senior joint convener Ariful Islam Adib said the matter would become clearer soon from the two former advisers themselves.

Mahfuz and Asif had maintained close ties with the NCP since its formation by leaders of the July mass uprising. However, over the past few months, Asif’s relationship with the party’s top leadership cooled somewhat, while Mahfuz’s influence within the party also declined, creating uncertainty about their future role in the NCP.

Both Mahfuz Alam and Asif Mahmud were prominent student leaders during the July movement and later joined the interim government as advisers. Asif had been part of the government since its formation on 8 August 2024, overseeing the ministries of Local Government and Youth and Sports. Mahfuz initially served as special assistant to the chief adviser from 28 August last year and was sworn in as an adviser on 10 November. He was later given responsibility for the information portfolio after another adviser resigned in February this year.

On 10 December, both submitted their resignation letters to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Their resignations took effect on 11 December, the day the election schedule was announced.

Following his resignation, Asif led a victory-style procession in Dhaka-10 on 12 December, which was widely seen as an early campaign display. Earlier that day, he announced on Facebook that he would contest the seat as an independent candidate.

According to the announced schedule for the 13th parliamentary election, campaigning will begin on 22 January, while the deadline for submitting nomination papers is 29 December. The NCP has already announced candidates in 125 constituencies, excluding Lakshmipur-1 and Dhaka-10. Party sources say candidates for these and other vacant seats will be announced within a week.

Mahfuz made his first public appearance after resigning on 15 December, when he spoke at an all-party protest rally organised by Inqilab Mancha at the Central Shaheed Minar. Senior NCP leaders, including party convener Nahid Islam, were also present.

Later that night, Asif issued a written statement via WhatsApp, saying he is currently preparing to contest the Dhaka-10 seat as an independent and has not yet decided whether to join any political party.

Attempts were made to contact both Mahfuz and Asif for comment on the NCP discussions. Mahfuz did not respond, while Asif reiterated that no final decision on party affiliation has been taken.