Student leader says Bangladesh Bank funded referendum ‘Yes’ campaign with Tk 10m

Rifat Rashid, president of the Student Against Discrimination (SAD), has said Bangladesh Bank provided Tk 10 million to the group to campaign in favour of a “Yes” vote in a recent referendum.

His remarks came after allegations surfaced that nearly Tk 10 million in donations had been concealed, bdnews24.com reports. 

Rifat said an initial agreement with the central bank was for Tk 50 million, but ultimately Tk 10 million was disbursed to the group's foundation for a seven-day campaign.

Speaking in a Facebook Live session on Friday night, he said the funds were spent in line with Bangladesh Bank’s conditions and were audited by a firm enlisted with the central bank.

The audit report has been submitted to the relevant department, he added.

The controversy erupted hours after a press conference at Dhaka University’s Madhur Canteen on Thursday, led by spokesperson of the movement Cynthia Jahin Ayesha, where allegations of undisclosed funding for the referendum campaign were raised.

Rifat -- who recently joined the National Citizen Party (NCP) -- said, “Bangladesh Bank gave us Tk 10 million.”

He added, “We reject the allegations made against us.”

Rifat also said he would cooperate fully with any investgation, including by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

“If the ACC or any investigative body in Bangladesh wants to examine the matter, we will extend full support,” he said. “I will personally go and submit the necessary documents.”

bdnews24.com sought comment from Bangladesh Bank.

The referendum, held on Feb 12 alongside the parliamentary polls, sought public approval on implementing the July Charter.