Dhaka: Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has revealed that at least two candidates in the 13th parliamentary election failed to disclose their dual British citizenship in the affidavits they submitted. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the executive director of TIB, announced this finding during a press conference at the organization’s office in the capital on Thursday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the issue was uncovered after a thorough analysis of the candidates’ affidavits. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman stated that while 21 candidates had declared foreign citizenship and subsequently renounced it to qualify for the election, at least two candidates did not disclose their status as British citizens. By law, candidates with dual citizenship are required to declare it in their affidavits and provide proof of renunciation of their foreign nationality.
For policy reasons, TIB has withheld the names of the two candidates but confirmed that they possess the necessary documents to support their claims and will report the matter to the relevant authorities.
In addition to the dual citizenship issue, TIB also identified several discrepancies concerning undeclared overseas assets. One candidate allegedly purchased a property worth nearly £1.4 million in the UK in 2013 under a declared dependent’s name, which was omitted from the affidavit. It is believed that the property was acquired through a shell company registered in Dubai, UAE.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further reported that another candidate did not disclose any personal foreign assets, yet a flat in Dubai is registered to his spouse’s name. Another individual’s affidavit claimed ownership of three overseas flats, but TIB found that the actual number is at least three times higher, with investments totaling approximately Tk 350 million.
The analysis also revealed that one candidate failed to declare ownership of any foreign businesses, despite being linked to at least 11 foreign companies, eight of which are operational. Additionally, one candidate’s company registration in a tax haven, although publicly available, was not disclosed in the affidavit.
TIB has urged the Election Commission and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action regarding these findings.