Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, has issued a public apology on behalf of his father over a recent controversy involving a contractor license.

On Thursday (April 24), Asif Mahmud addressed the issue through a post on his verified Facebook account, writing, “First and foremost, I sincerely apologize for my father's mistake.”

In the post, he explained that around 9 PM the previous night, a journalist contacted him to inquire about a contractor license issued in his father’s name. After speaking with his father, he confirmed that the license had been obtained from the office of the District Executive Engineer. He then relayed the information to the journalist, which led to news coverage and public criticism—prompting him to clarify the matter.

Asif stated that his father is the headmaster of Akubpur Yakub Ali Bhuiyan Public High School. A local contractor had advised his father to apply for a license in his own name to help facilitate access to work opportunities. Trusting the suggestion, his father went ahead and acquired the license.

“While any citizen has the right to obtain a business license, my position as an advisor to the relevant ministry makes this situation a clear conflict of interest,” Asif wrote. “After I explained the implications to my father, he requested the cancellation of the license, which has now officially been revoked.”

He also clarified that the license had never been used to apply for any government contracts or projects.

“Perhaps my father did not fully understand the concept of conflict of interest. For that misunderstanding, I offer a sincere apology on his behalf,” he added.

This statement follows a claim made by investigative journalist and human rights activist Zulkarnaine Saer, affiliated with Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, alleging that Asif Mahmud's father had been enlisted as an approved contractor under the Local Government Engineering Department.