Ready to accept punishment if blocking Shakib found a crime: Asif Mahmud

Former interim government adviser for youth and sports and Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) spokesperson, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, has said he is prepared to face consequences if any allegation against him is proven regarding claims that cricketer Shakib Al Hasan was prevented from playing.

“A complaint has been lodged with Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) over the issue of not allowing Shakib Al Hasan to play. If any allegation against me is proven by ACC, I am ready to accept it,” Asif told journalists after attending an iftar programme organized by his party in Dhaka's Shyampur on Friday.

He also said, “Shakib Al Hasan does not have the ethical right to carry the national flag. If preventing him from playing is a crime, I am ready to face any punishment.”

Asif expressed confidence that public support for his party, which has successfully elected six MPs, will continue in the future. “I believe these six MPs will bring vibrancy to country’s politics and parliament, and ensure that the voices of the people reach the legislative floor,” he added.

His remarks follow reports that a group of Shakib’s supporters submitted a complaint to ACC against the former adviser. 

According to ACC sources, 20 to 30 people gathered at the commission’s office at noon on Thursday, chanting slogans in support of Shakib before submitting the complaint.