How trustworthy are candidates’ affidavits? TIB finds major discrepancies over citizenship, assets
The findings of TIB’s analysis of valid candidates’ profiles based on their election affidavits were presented at a press conference at the organisation’s office in Dhaka this morning.
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) finds significant discrepancies and omissions in electoral affidavits submitted by several candidates, particularly concerning foreign citizenship status, overseas properties, and business interests.
The findings of TIB's analysis of valid candidates' profiles based on their election affidavits were presented at a press conference at the organisation's office in Dhaka this morning (22 January).
At the press briefing, Iftekharuzzaman, TIB executive director, said the organisation's analysis of affidavits and independent information revealed multiple instances where candidates failed to disclose accurate and complete details, raising serious concerns over transparency and compliance with electoral laws.
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According to the TIB, although 21 candidates declared in their affidavits that they had acquired foreign citizenships and later renounced them, at least two candidates did not disclose their dual citizenship status. TIB's findings suggest both individuals were British citizens, despite no such mention in their affidavits.
The TIB also finds evidence linking one candidate to a residential property worth £1.4 million (around Tk210 crore) purchased in the United Kingdom in 2013 in the name of a declared dependent. This information was not disclosed in the candidate's affidavit. Credible sources indicate that a shell company was used in the property acquisition, with ownership registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In another case, a candidate declared having no overseas assets in their own name; however, the candidate's spouse owns a flat in Dubai.
The TIB further reports that one candidate acknowledged ownership of three flats abroad, while reliable information suggests the actual number is at least three times higher, with the estimated total investment amounting to nearly Tk35 crore.
Additionally, a candidate who denied owning any overseas business interests was found to be associated with at least 11 foreign companies, eight of which are actively involved in commercial operations.
Another candidate failed to disclose previous information regarding company registration in a tax haven, despite such information being widely available in the public domain.
