Despite formally resigning last December, two former student advisers, Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya and Mahfuz Alam, continue to occupy government-provided housing, raising questions about adherence to official protocol.
On 10 December 2025, both advisers submitted their resignations to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. At the time, the Chief Adviser’s press wing stated that the resignations would be formally accepted upon the announcement of the national election schedule. The very next day, 11 December, the schedule for the 13th National Parliament elections and the general vote was officially announced.
However, over 50 days after their resignations, both Asif and Mahfuz have remained in their respective government residences.
Asif Mahmud has since taken on responsibilities as Chairman and Spokesperson of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Election Management Committee. Nevertheless, inquiries on 28 January revealed that he continues to use the government bungalow Niloy-6 on Hair Road. A resident staff member confirmed, “Sir is still here. He has not vacated the residence.” Another employee corroborated, adding, “He mostly stays at his Paribag residence, but the bungalow is still in use for his activities.”
Mahfuz Alam resides in the government duplex Uttrayan-3, also on Hair Road. When questioned about vacating the premises, Mahfuz stated that he intends to leave before the elections, noting, “The rules do not specifically mention a timeline for leaving, but I will vacate before the election.”
The Directorate of Government Housing, led by Director Md. Asaduzzaman, stated that while officials can remain in government housing for up to two months post-retirement—extendable to six months if children are studying—no specific timeline exists for ministers or advisers. “These former advisers have not yet vacated the residences. We have informed the Secretary and will act according to ministry guidance,” he added.
The continued occupancy has sparked debate over ethics and precedent. Former Secretary and ex-Rector of the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre, A.K.M. Abdul Awal Majumdar, remarked, “Historically, figures such as Kazi Zafar Ahmed vacated government housing immediately upon resignation. Politicians today should follow such examples. Remaining in government housing post-resignation reflects poorly on administrative ethics.”
| Adviser | Resignation Submitted | Role Post-Resignation | Current Residence | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiya | 10 Dec 2025 | NCP Election Committee Chairman & Spokesperson | Niloy-6, Hair Road | Still occupying |
| Mahfuz Alam | 10 Dec 2025 | Former Special Assistant to Chief Adviser; Information Adviser | Uttrayan-3, Hair Road | Intends to vacate before elections |
Both advisers initially assumed government advisory roles following the 5 August 2024 student-led political upheaval that ended the previous government. Asif joined the interim government on 8 August, overseeing local government and youth and sports portfolios. Mahfuz was appointed Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on 28 August 2024, later taking oath as adviser on 10 November 2024, and assumed information responsibilities in February 2025.
The matter has prompted concerns over administrative propriety and the enforcement of housing regulations for former advisers, highlighting a perceived lapse in governance ethics.