18 parliamentary poll candidates own over Tk 1.0b assets each: TIB

FE REPORT
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said as many as 164 candidates participating in the upcoming 12th parliamentary elections earn more than Tk 10 million each annually.
According to a report published by the anti-graft watchdog based on affidavits by candidates, some 18 individuals boast billionaire status among 1,896 candidates contesting the next national election.
The findings were presented at a press conference in Dhaka on Tuesday, where TIB also launched an interactive 'Know Your Candidate (KYC)' dashboard.
TIB's Outreach and Communication Division Coordinator Mohammad Tauhidul Islam presented the report, which analysed eight categories of information from affidavits submitted for the past four parliamentary elections.
This data covered educational qualifications, criminal records, professional backgrounds, income sources, property and debt declarations (including dependents) and loan details.
The TIB analysis showed some key trends for the upcoming election. Independent candidates surged significantly, while ruling party-affiliated candidates dominate each constituency, with multiple instances of fielding more than one candidate.
According to TIB, over 57 per cent of candidates hold graduate or postgraduate degrees, with 13.66 per cent self-educated.
Businesspersons also showcase a substantial presence, accounting for 57 per cent of candidates -- a 10 per cent increase over the past 15 years.
According to TIB, this signifies political parties prioritising candidates with wealth exceeding Tk 10 million.
For example, Bangladesh Awami League's candidates with assets exceeding Tk 10 million jumped from 27 per cent in the 9th election to 86 per cent in the 12th.
Nearly 47 per cent of independent candidates declare wealth exceeding Tk 10 million. Besides, some candidates own land exceeding legal limits stipulated in the Land Reform Act 2023 (60 bigha agrarian land and 100 bigha total including non-agrarian).
Around 27 per cent of candidates reported loans or debts exceeding Tk 160 billion, with some individuals experiencing income spikes exceeding 2,000 per cent #compared to previous disclosures alongside remarkable asset increases.
Discrepancies between disclosed information and actual holdings were evident.
For instance, a minister conducting real estate business abroad raises questions with "undisclosed overseas companies" and total assets valued at nearly Tk 23.12 billion.
Based on the affidavit information, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman commented on the unusual asset increase among ministers and MPs.
He questioned the accuracy of the information, saying, "It seems disclosing assets in affidavits is just a formality now. Presenting false or incomplete information is a criminal offence."
Dr Zaman said, "Accountability measures are not taken, especially when MPs and ministers' wealth soars, raising doubts about whether the increase aligns with their legal income. Here, a proactive role from relevant agencies is essential."
Responding to media queries, TIB Board of Trustees Chairperson Advocate Sultana Kamal expressed dismay at the escalating wealth of candidates, lamenting the widening wealth gap while a large portion of the population struggles.
TIB's KYC dashboard is available at www.ti-bangladesh.org/kyc. It allows comprehensive candidate comparisons across elections, constituencies and parties.
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