Local govt polls also marked by one-party dominance: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) observed on Monday that just like the national elections, the local government body elections are also characterised by one-party dominance and growing influence of business interests.
Besides, TIB called on the Election Commission (EC), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the candidates' declared income and assets to make it sure they are consistent with legitimate income and to check for potential tax evasion.
The observation and call were made during a press conference held to present the data analysis and review of affidavits of candidates for the third phase of the sixth Upazila Parishad Election-2024.
TIB has continued its analysis of candidate affidavits for the third phase of the Upazila Parishad elections.
TIB's findings highlight a significant disparity in income and wealth growth between previously elected officials and non-elected candidates.
Over the past decade, the income of previously elected local representatives has increased by 681.37 per cent, and their movable assets by 1010.12 per cent.
In contrast, non-elected candidates have seen income growth by 71.71 per cent and assets by 31.35 per cent. This indicates a rapid accumulation of wealth and income associated with holding power, TIB said.
Analysing the affidavits, TIB found that businessmen candidates continue to dominate the third phase of the Upazila Parishad election, like the national election and the first two phases of the upazila election.
Businessmen candidates make up 58.14 per cent of the total, a 7.0 per cent increase from the 4th upazila election.
Specifically, 66.53 per cent of chairman candidates, 68.99 per cent of vice-chairman candidates, and 31.56 per cent of female vice-chairman candidates mentioned business as their profession.
Additionally, 48.54 per cent of female vice-chairman candidates identified themselves as housewives, with 14.5 per cent of them having income from business.
Overall, 15.14 per cent of all candidates are associated with some business organisation, it stated.
Referring to the arbitrary influence of businessmen in the upazila elections, TIB Executive Director Dr. Ifekharuzzaman said, "In public representation, the presence of public interest has become rare, allowing personal interests to flourish through the abuse of power. It is natural for business people, like any other professionals, to enter politics."
"However, the concern is whether their aggressive participation aligns with the right political process and serves public welfare. The current situation suggests that the profit- oriented goal is driving businessmen's interest in politics, leading to family oriented power-grab at the local level," he said.
Dr Ifekharuzzaman also highlighted how holding public office is viewed as a "license to abuse power," allowing individuals to exert influence from market regulation to safeguarding business interests in policy decisions.
Moreover, he lamented the lack of accountability for those involved in irregularities, corruption, or controlling market syndicates.
The analysis reveals that approximately 37 per cent of the candidates have an income below Tk0.35 million, indicating they have no taxable income.
In contrast, 10.5 per cent of candidates report an income exceeding Tk 1.6 million. For chairman candidates, 24.21 per cent have an income above Tk 1.65 million while only 3.45 per cent of other candidates have this amount.
Conversely, 19.5 per cent of chairman candidates have an income below Tk0. 35 million (Tk3.5 lakh), compared to 45.74 per cent of other candidates. This suggests that wealthier individuals are more likely to run for chairman positions. Additionally, 106 candidates in the third phase have assets exceeding Tk10 million, with the number of multimillionaires nearly quadrupling compared to the previous election, TIB's analysis added.
TIB assistant coordinator Rifat Rahman presented the organisation's analysis and observations at the press conference.

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