Published: 11:35 PM, 13 November 2026
Asif terms Bangladesh a 'lawless, forsaken country'
Former adviser to the interim government Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has described Bangladesh as a "lawless, forsaken country," expressing frustration over the authorities' inability to maintain law and order across the country.
Asif Mahmud, who served as an adviser to the now-expired interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, made the remark in a Facebook post on Friday. In his post, he appeared to express deep disappointment with the country's prevailing law-and-order situation, suggesting that the authorities concerned have failed to ensure public safety and maintain stability.
His comments have drawn attention because of his previous position in the interim administration and his involvement in national political and administrative affairs. The remarks also reflect growing concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the government's capacity to maintain public order amid continuing challenges.
A couple of days before making the Facebook comment, Asif Mahmud had strongly criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over its handling of allegations of corruption against him. He questioned the commission's decision to speak to journalists about the allegations before a formal litigation process had begun.
His criticism raised questions about the ACC's communication practices, particularly whether discussing allegations publicly before initiating legal proceedings could affect an individual's reputation and undermine procedural fairness.
The latest Facebook post has added another dimension to the former adviser's public criticism of state institutions. While his remarks highlight concerns about law enforcement and institutional accountability, they also invite questions about the responsibilities of political figures in contributing to public confidence during a period of uncertainty.
Maintaining law and order remains a fundamental responsibility of the state. Citizens expect the authorities to ensure security, uphold the rule of law, and protect their rights regardless of political affiliations or administrative changes.
