New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) Despite media reports depicting a bleak yet manageable state of the Bangladesh economy, where citizens are forced to tighten their belts due to escalating prices and stagnant wages, approximately 28 percent of candidates entering the general elections possess assets worth crores—with some even holding properties internationally, as reported by Bangladeshi media.

Notably, Islamic parties have emerged as the frontrunners in candidate nominations based on party affiliation, according to a report from Bangladesh’s Business Standard.

The findings were disclosed by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday, following an analysis of the profiles of eligible candidates derived from their election affidavits.

The elections scheduled for February 12 will feature 1,981 candidates competing for 298 seats, with 1,696 of these candidates participating in the electoral process for the first time. Among the total of 560 candidates in the 13th national election, a significant number possess assets valued in crores of taka.

Male candidates overwhelmingly dominate, accounting for 95.98 percent. Among female candidates, six represent the Jamaat-e-Islami-led alliance, while 24 are from the coalition led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The BNP has nominated candidates for 285 seats, whereas the Jamaat has put forth candidates for 243 seats.

Due to a political ban and the exile of numerous leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—who is currently facing a death sentence—the Awami League will be absent from this electoral process, despite international appeals for diverse representation.

The report indicates that the number of candidates with assets exceeding one crore Bangladeshi taka (approximately Indian Rs 75 lakh) is unprecedented, setting a record in the nation’s electoral history. Additionally, 124 candidates report an annual income of Tk 1 crore or more.

Concerning legal matters, 530 candidates are presently facing criminal charges, while 740 candidates have had legal proceedings against them in the past.

Regarding citizenship and international ties, 21 candidates previously held dual citizenship but have since renounced it. A total of 31 candidates disclosed income from foreign sources, while 17 candidates reported ownership of overseas assets, as stated in their affidavits.

The TIB analysis reveals that 58.84 percent of candidates have declared assets worth less than Tk. 1 crore, and 13 candidates reported assets surpassing Tk 100 crore (nearly Indian Rs 75 crore).

The majority of candidates fall within the 25-54 age range, with the average age being 51, marking the lowest average age in comparison to previous elections.

In terms of education, approximately 76.42 percent possess undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, representing the highest ratio of such educated candidates in any election to date.

The analysis also indicates a rise in the number of candidates from teaching and legal professions compared to prior elections. Additionally, 68.05 percent of total candidates reported having bank loans, with BNP candidates being the most indebted; 59.41 percent of them declared outstanding loans. Eight of the top ten most indebted candidates belong to the BNP.

Overall, candidates have declared a total election expenditure of Tk 463.7 crore (over INR 347 crore) for the upcoming polls, with the average spending per candidate reaching Tk 22.5 lakh (approximately INR 16.85 lakh). The analysis further shows that 259 candidates reported expenditures below the average amount, as per the report.