Dr. Afsan Anis, son of Awami League leader Dr. Abul Baki Anis, has been appointed president of the Cumilla Metropolitan Nationalist Social and Cultural Organization (JASAS). The 101-member committee was approved on May 16 through a circular signed by central convenor Helal Khan and member secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon, naming Shahidul Haque Sohel as general secretary.

The announcement triggered widespread discussion on social media and within political circles over Dr. Anis’s political background. Former city JASAS convenor Manjurul Alam alleged that individuals with no prior involvement in BNP politics had secured committee positions through financial transactions. Cumilla city BNP general secretary and city corporation administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu stated he did not know the new president and questioned how a member of an Awami family could lead a key BNP-affiliated organization.

Central JASAS president Helal Khan defended the appointment, saying the committee was formed following organizational procedures and in coordination with BNP leaders at various levels, citing past examples of similar appointments.