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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised the local government system for neglecting public interest.
TIB said that candidates in Upazila Parishad elections often prioritise personal wealth accumulation over serving the public.
An analysis of the last decade of Upazila Parishad elections showed that incumbent candidates exhibited substantial growth in both income and movable assets.
TIB shared its findings and observations from the analysis of the affidavits of candidates in the 6th Upazila Parishad Election 2024 Second Phase during a press conference at its office in Dhaka city on Sunday. TIB’s Assistant Coordinator of Outreach and Communication Ikramul Haque Evan presented the TIB findings and observations.
According to the TIB, there exists an unhealthy competition among candidates aspiring for public office, viewing it as an opportunity to amass income and assets.
In their scrutiny of the candidates’ affidavits for the second phase of the Upazila Parishad polls, TIB underscored a significant trend: incumbent public representatives experienced a marked increase in income and assets over the past five years compared to new candidates.
This pattern suggests a direct correlation between holding political power and wealth accumulation. An analysis of the last decade of elections showed that incumbent candidates exhibited substantial growth in both income (540.68 per cent on average) and movable assets (211.98 per cent), according to the TIB.
On the other hand, first-time candidates experienced a 56.47 per cent uptick in income while witnessing a decrease of 45.44 per cent in movable assets over the same period, the TIB statement said. On average, incumbent candidates saw their income rise by 140.61 per cent over the last five years, whereas new candidates witnessed a 77.44 per cent increase, it added.
The analysis revealed a similar trend in movable assets, with incumbent candidates averaging a 231.62 per cent increase, while new candidates showed a 100.33 per cent rise. Notably, not only did the candidates enhance their own financial standings, but their spouses and dependents also showcased similar upward trajectories in income and assets.
At the event, TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr Iftekharuzzaman said women’s election participation is under 2.0 per cent, while businesspersons participate unilaterally.
He added that one-party dominance and family-oriented power grabs are prevalent in local elections now.
Mentioning that the link between power and wealth gain is clear for public representatives who have been in power for a long time, the TIB executive director said, “Long-serving public representatives clearly link power and wealth.
“Incumbents significantly increase their wealth, leading to unhealthy competition for public representation. Often, the focus shifts from public welfare to wealth accumulation. Authorities show little interest in verifying or investigating the unusual wealth increases declared in affidavits.”
Dr Iftekharuzzaman pointed out that both public interest and party discipline are often sidelined in elections.