Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has requested the authorities concerned to properly scrutinise affidavits of the candidates of 11th national election for their wealth information.
It also urged Election Commission (EC) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to take stern actions against candidates, if discrepancies or irregularities are found in their statements.
A media statement of the Dhaka chapter of Berlin-based international anti-corruption watchdog mentioned these on Monday.
TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr Iftekharuzzaman in the statement said before each election, candidates submit their respective wealth statements to EC alongside nomination papers, which are significant for ensuring transparency of the people's representatives.
According to newspaper reports, wealth amassed by many Member of Parliament (MP) candidates and their families has grown manifold this year comparing to that in the previous election.
"It has become essential to inspect such surge in wealth, whether it is legal or not," said Mr Zaman.
EC should independently examine the wealth statements and verify the sources of wealth. ACC should also take stern legal steps against irregularities, if found any, the TIB ED further said.
Besides, ACC should also play its due role to inspect the candidates' source of wealth and take exemplary moves against all kinds of irregularities, he opined.
"In this regard, the authorities concerned should perform their duties irrespective of the candidates' political identities."
Dr Iftekharuzzaman also requested them to investigate the wealth amassed by the candidates in the name of their family members or unanimously.
He also said the ACC chairman's recent speech on examining the candidates' wealth statements is inspiring for the country's people.
"However, we believe that the authorities should also verify the statements to justify the unusual growth of wealth accumulated by MPs," he said.
There should be coordinated efforts between EC and ACC in this regard, the TIB statement added.
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