The appointment of Aslam Habib as personal secretary to Jasim Uddin Ahmed, the ruling BNP member of parliament for Chattogram-14 (Chandanaish), has triggered political discussion and criticism. A report published on July 31, citing party sources, said Habib is the publicity and publications secretary of Sitakunda উপজেলা Awami League and previously served as personal secretary to two former Awami League MPs and Awami League-backed MP SM Al Mamun.

Some party activists have raised dissatisfaction and security concerns over the appointment. They alleged that Habib had been involved in cases, arrests and abuse against BNP and Jamaat activists in the past, though the report provided no independent verification of those claims. Unnamed BNP leaders also claimed that Subrata Barua, a former aide to ex-Awami League MP Nazrul Islam, is working as Ahmed’s Dhaka-based second personal secretary.

Habib said he had worked for two Awami League MPs previously but now assists the BNP lawmaker with official work, adding that he had not engaged in illegal activities. A video from a relief distribution event showing money being handed over drew further online criticism. Ahmed said he was abroad for medical treatment and would speak later.