Dhaka, Oct 9 (V7N) — Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud has sharply criticized those who hold multiple citizenships and passports, claiming they are now preparing “safe exit” lists for others.
 
In a Facebook post published late Wednesday night, Asif Mahmud wrote, “Those who possess multiple passports and foreign citizenships are the ones making safe exit lists for others.”
 
He further stated, “Those who fled on August 5, their sympathizers are now in deep distress. The fascists will always be the ones to run away. We were born in this country and, Insha’Allah, we will die in this soil. Like my brothers, I also seek martyrdom while fighting against fascists and killers.”
 
The term “safe exit” has recently become a widely discussed topic in Bangladesh’s political sphere. In an earlier television interview, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam claimed, “Several advisers have formed liaisons with political parties and are now thinking about their safe exit.”
 
When asked about this statement on Wednesday, Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan told reporters, “He (Nahid Islam) must substantiate his own statement. It’s not my job to prove or refute his remarks.”
 
Meanwhile, on Tuesday afternoon, NCP’s Chief Organizer for the northern region, Sarjis Alam, said at a meeting in Naogaon Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium, “We’ve noticed that some advisers seem to be performing their duties half-heartedly, just to exit through the election process.”
 
He added, “Such an indifferent attitude cannot sustain a post-uprising government. They are standing on the blood and sacrifice of many martyrs. If they now fear for their personal safety, then they should not have taken on this responsibility in the first place.”
 
Following these remarks, Asif Mahmud’s post has sparked fresh debate, with many questioning whom he was referring to when he mentioned individuals with multiple citizenships.
 
END/RKB/SMA/