Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said that only one member of the current Council of has expressed interest in contesting the upcoming 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

Speaking at a DCAB (Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh) dialogue at the National Press Club on Sunday, Mr. Hossain confirmed that he himself would not be participating in the election.

He named Asif Mahmud, the Adviser for Sports, as the sole member of the council who has indicated a desire to run.

Mahmud Confirms Intention 

Mr. Mahmud, who is also known as Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, had previously announced his intention to participate in the 13th Jatiya Sangsad polls.

However, the Foreign Affairs Adviser's comments clarify the position of the council as a whole. While Hossain noted that only the Sports Adviser has shown interest, Mr. Mahmud himself suggested last week that he may not be the only one.

The Sports Adviser had hinted that "other advisers, alongside the government’s two student advisers, may also be seen in the election battle."

It remains unclear which political party, if any, Mr. Mahmud will represent, or which constituency he intends to contest.

Need to Resign Before the Polls

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on 27 November, Mr. Mahmud confirmed discussions that "some others in the government, in addition to the student advisers, will contest the election."

He stressed that there is "no law or restriction" preventing an interim government adviser from participating.

Nevertheless, Mahmud maintained that it would be necessary to resign from their government post before the election period commences.

"To contest the election while holding this post is a conflict of interest," he stated. "From that ethical standpoint, I believe that whoever participates in the election should resign before entering electoral activities. I am preparing in the same way. I will be able to provide further details following discussions with the government's high-level."

When questioned on whether he would step down before the election schedule is officially declared, Mr. Mahmud remained guarded.

"The date, schedule, nothing has been finalised yet. All of this will be released gradually once everything is final. It is best not to comment on political matters at this time," he said.