Dhaka, Aug 14 (V7N) – Local Government Affairs Advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan has denied any involvement in the Gulshan extortion case, in which his name was mentioned in a viral confessional statement by Jane Alam Apu, an accused in the case. The video surfaced on social media on Wednesday night.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Thursday, Advisor Asif Mahmud said he was surprised to hear his name mentioned. He explained that he knew Jane Alam Apu from his time in the Student Rights Council in 2022, but had not met him since August 5, 2024.

Referring to claims made by a person posing as Apu’s wife, he expressed concern over allegations of forced confessions, saying such practices had occurred in the past after the mass uprising on August 5, but should not be repeated.

The advisor also addressed a lighter topic raised during the briefing regarding early-morning meals. He explained that due to late-night work, he occasionally goes out with a small group for food at Nila Market or the Westin Hotel in Gulshan, though he did not comment on whether Apu was present there on the alleged day.

When asked about CCTV footage allegedly showing him riding a motorcycle near the scene, Asif Mahmud said, “If someone wearing a helmet in the footage claims to be me, how credible is that?” He emphasized that the matter is under investigation and refused to provide further comments.

He firmly stated that he had no involvement in the extortion case and claimed the person interviewed in the viral video had been forced to speak at a leader’s house.

END/SMA/AJ