Political adviser Asif Mahmud has announced he will resign from government duties before the election schedule is declared, citing his active involvement in politics since 2018. Speaking on Khaled Muhiuddin’s program Thikana on Tuesday, Mahmud stressed that election-time governments should not include politically active figures, to avoid any conflict of interest. Mahmud dismissed speculation that he would contest from Muradnagar, stating that his political focus remains at the national level and that Dhaka is his preferred political base. He also denied confirming whether he would join the NCP, though acknowledged close ties with its former wing, Janak. Additionally, Mahmud labeled allegations against his father involving corruption and sheltering criminals as smear campaigns, vowing legal action.