Tarique's yearly income less than Tk7 lakh

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's yearly income is less than Tk7 lakh per year, according to an affidavit submitted to the Election Commission (EC) for the 13th parliamentary election.

The disclosures published on the Election Commission's website today (31 December). Tarique has declared total assets worth Tk1.97 crore. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, his annual income stands at Tk6,76,353, primarily derived from shares, savings certificates, bonds and bank deposits. 

The BNP acting chairman has cash and bank deposits amounting to Tk31,58,428 in his own name, while his wife holds Tk66,54,747 in cash and bank balances. Tarique also reported fixed deposit receipts (FDRs) worth Tk90,24,307, with an additional Tk35 lakh in FDRs in his wife's name.

The affidavit notes that Tarique, aged over 57, is a politician by profession with HSC-level academic qualifications and is contesting from Bogura-6 and Dhaka-17 constituencies. 

It also states that he has been acquitted, discharged or had cases dismissed in all 77 cases previously filed against him. For FY26 tax year, the BNP acting chairman paid Tk1,01,453 in income tax, while his wife paid Tk5,57,713.

Under electoral law, candidates are required to submit detailed affidavits containing 10 categories of information with their nomination papers, all of which must be made public. The EC has warned that legal action can be taken even after the election if any false information is found in the affidavits.

More than 2,500 nomination papers have been submitted for the 300 parliamentary seats in the 13th national election, with candidates from over 50 political parties and a large number of independents. The BNP alone has fielded 331 candidates. 

After scrutiny, appeals and disposal, the final list of candidates will be published on 20 January, with electoral symbols allocated the following day. Voting, along with a referendum, is scheduled to take place on 12 February.