Asif Mahmud denies being part of interim govt’s ‘kitchen cabinet’

Former interim government adviser and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan on Tuesday denied allegations that he was part of an alleged “kitchen cabinet” accused of influencing decisions beyond the jurisdiction of government ministries during the previous interim administration.

Speaking at an emergency press conference at the NCP’s central office in Dhaka, Asif Mahmud said he had no involvement with the group that has recently come under public discussion following remarks made by former foreign adviser Touhid Hossain.

The controversy emerged after Touhid Hossain stated in a televised interview on Monday that he had attempted to resign from the interim government on three occasions because of the influence of a so-called “kitchen cabinet” that allegedly interfered in matters related to ministries outside its authority.

Responding to the allegations, Asif Mahmud said he was neither involved in such activities nor associated with any unofficial decision-making group within the government.

The NCP leader also denied having any role in the controversial trade agreement signed with the United States during the tenure of the interim administration. According to him, no discussions regarding the agreement had been held with the National Citizen Party either.

Asif further alleged that Khalilur Rahman, who was serving as national security adviser at the time, attempted to shift responsibility for the deal onto the interim government following political advice from the BNP.

The remarks added a new dimension to the growing political debate surrounding the role and influence of informal advisory circles within the former interim administration.

Political observers say the issue has sparked renewed discussion over transparency, accountability and decision-making processes within past administrations, particularly regarding major policy matters and international agreements.

The NCP has not announced any further action regarding the allegations, though party leaders indicated they would continue responding publicly to claims involving the former interim government.