FE Report
Information provided by some candidates of the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) election to the government is incomplete and questionable, a civil society platform observed.
According to a study of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan)-- citizen for good governance--, some candidates have showed their wealth amounting less than the actual by many times while some have provided misleading and incomplete information in their affidavits.
Sujan made the observation at a press conference, held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) to present an analysis of the candidates' position on several points including financial status, income tax, profession, educational qualifications and number of lawsuits against them.
The study was made based on the information provided in affidavits submitted by the candidates to the Election Commission (EC) as per guidelines.
Sujan president M Hafizuddin Khan, its secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar, Co-secretary Jakir Hossain and executive member Syed Abul Maksud attended the conference, among others.
The organisation's associate coordinator Sanjida Parvin presented the analysis at the press conference.
Total 284 candidates, including seven for mayor, 212 for councillors and 65 for women councillors, are vying for the election to be held on December 21.
According to the analysis, 144 candidates paid their income taxes in the fiscal year (FY) 2016-17. Of them, Sharfuddin Ahmed paid the highest amount of Tk1,27,846 in the FY. Maqbul Shahriar paid Tk52, 875 in the same FY, followed by Md Mostafizur Rahman (Tk25,295).
"However, some candidates have submitted their affidavits without properly fulfilling the forms, which is an event of information hiding," the study said.
Among the mayor candidates, four have personal or bank liability. Sharfuddin Ahmed has personal debt of Tk 0.9 million while Moqbul Shahriar has Tk 1.5 million. Besides, Mostafizar Rahman borrowed Tk1.5 million from Janata Bank.
Compared to the affidavits submitted by the candidates in 2012 election, the analysis showed that total amount of some mayor candidates and their family members' wealth increased many times.
Of those, Kawsar Zaman's wealth increased by 1972.73 per cent to Tk15.2 million in this year from Tk 0.733 million in 2012. Sharfuddin Ahmed's wealth increased by 675.76 per cent from Tk 1.98 million.
Speaking on the occasion, Hafizuddin Khan said no visible improvement has been seen in the candidates' qualifications.
He has called upon all voters to be alert and know well about the candidates in the RCC election.
In his speech, Syed Abul Maksud said the EC is not solely responsible for ensuring fair and free environment before and after voting.
"Besides government agencies, every other body including candidates, political parties, watchdogs and voters have to play their respective roles to ensure favorable environment," he said.
In response to a question from the reporters, Badiul Alam Majumdar said the overall election atmosphere can be termed favorable so far.
"Besides several minor unwanted incidents so far, the environment is still positive," he said, adding, "We have to wait till the conclusion, as the situation heats up with time."
He also urged the government to verify the candidates' affidavits in details and inform voters about the candidates' qualifications before casting their votes to ensure democracy.
Earlier, the maiden election to the RCC was held on December 20, 2012 after the city corporation was formed. Awami League leader Sharfuddin Ahmed was elected the first RCC mayor.
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