Government authorities cancelled contractor license belonging to father of Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
On Thursday, April 24, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Cumilla district office issued official cancellation order, signed by Executive Engineer Mohammad Abdul Matin.
Cancelled license belonged to "Messrs. Israt Enterprise" owned by Billal Hossain from Akubpur village in Muradnagar, who was registered under LGED's limited tendering method.
According to official documentation, license was cancelled based on owner's personal application, with original license remaining in LGED's possession.
Hours after cancellation, at approximately 11:30 AM, Advisor Asif Mahmud addressed situation through Facebook post, offering sincere apology for his father's mistake.
"After confirming matter with journalist who inquired about license last night, issue became public. As discussions emerged, I felt obliged to provide explanation," wrote Mahmud.
He clarified that his father works as headmaster at Akubpur Yakub Ali Bhuiyan Public High School, revealing local contractor had used father's identity for obtaining license. While acknowledging license was legally obtained, Mahmud recognised clear "conflict of interest" with his current advisory role.
"My father likely failed to recognise this conflict of interest, for which I apologise on his behalf," Mahmud stated.
He emphasised no government project applications had been submitted using contested license, attempting to minimise implications of irregularity.
Copies of cancellation order have been distributed to LGED headquarters in Dhaka, supervising engineer of Cumilla region and contracting firm owner, ensuring complete transparency throughout resolution process.
NRE/SH
