Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Dr Iftekharuzzaman, said on Monday that we have seen farcical competitive elections in the first two rounds of Upazila Chairman Elections. Just like the national elections, the local government body elections are also characterised by one-party dominance.
Speaking at a press conference to share the findings of a study about third-phase Upazila Chairman election candidates, he said, "The report stated that the number of candidates who have identified themselves as businessmen in the Upazila polls has increased. Among the candidates, 17 are relatives of ruling Members of Parliament."
Iftekharuzzaman 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 ensure they are consistent with legitimate income and to check for potential tax evasion.
"However, these regulatory bodies seem indifferent to these duties. We urge the concerned authorities to rigorously investigate the findings of our analysis," he said.
The TIB chief said, "The interests of the election aspirants are to increase wealth through the abuse of power like other professionals, not to represent the public interest. As a result, the profit-oriented goal is driving businessmen into the election."
"The increase in income and assets is usually expected; however, if these increase unnaturally, it may raise questions. Its also alarming that 37 percent of candidates claim they have no taxable income in their affidavits, which is unbelievable."
TIB Assistant Coordinator Rifat Rahman presented the organisations analysis and observations titled "Know Your Candidate".
The report, however, noted that candidates from the farming and teaching professions in the polls have decreased.
The report is based on an analysis of the affidavits of candidates running in the third phase of the upazila elections.
The report said that similar to national elections, local government elections are increasingly characterised by one-party dominance and the growing influence of business interests.
According to the report, in 2024, the percentage of businessman candidates is 58.14 percent, a seven percentage point increase from 2014.
In 2014, 8.75 percent of candidates were teachers and 13.40 percent were farmers. In this years elections, 10 percent of the candidates are farmers and 3.95 percent are teachers.
TIBs 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 percent, and their movable assets by 1010.12 percent.
In contrast, non-elected candidates have seen income grow by 71.71 percent and assets by 31.35 percent. This indicates a rapid accumulation of wealth and income associated with holding power.
