I would choose 10 years in prison over comfort abroad: Asif

Even if allowed to live a comfortable life abroad, Mr. Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, spokesperson for the National Citizen Party (NCP) and former advisor to the interim government, has stated that he would choose a ten-year prison sentence in the country if proven guilty. He made these remarks in a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Thursday.

Mr. Asif Mahmud stated that if given the choice between spending ten years in prison or living a comfortable life abroad, he would unhesitatingly choose imprisonment. He firmly denied the allegations of money laundering raised against him, asserting that if even a single taka of the alleged 11,000 crore taka laundered across four countries is found as his investment or asset abroad, he will step down from politics. He added that if anyone can prove he holds a single taka in investment or any property overseas, he will resign from his political position.

Explaining his stance, Mr. Asif Mahmud emphasized that his commitment to the country is so strong that he would prefer a lengthy prison term over a comfortable life abroad. He alleged that a political narrative is being manufactured against him based on unverified statements and claims. Warning the public about such campaigns, he urged everyone to remain cautious, stating that those in power should not be believed blindly without question. At the same time, the NCP leader called on citizens to critically evaluate media reports, emphasizing the need to verify information or allegations as they arise and asserting that the statements of powerful individuals should never be held above scrutiny.