BSS, Dhaka
The occupation of 49 per cent of candidates contesting in the upcoming upazila (UZ) elections are from business community, according to a survey released on Monday.
Conducted by Shushashaner Jannya Nagoric (SJN), a non government organisation (NGO), on 1083 candidates vying for the post of chairmen, vice-chairmen and female vice-chairmen in 64 UZ, the study was based on information which the candidates have provided to them, said SJN secretary Badiul Alam Majumdar at a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity auditorium here.
Of the surveyed upazilas 60 are sadar upazilas, he added.
SJN Chairman professor Mozaffer Ahmed, Adviser ASM Shajahan and its member and noted columnist Syed Abul Maksud were present.
Among the candidates under survey, occupation of 11 percent is farming, 12 percent of legal profession, 12 percent housewife and the rest of the candidates are involved in other occupations.
Sixteen percent of the candidates do not have SSC level educational qualification, 35 percent are either SSC or HSC level education and 48 percent have graduation or post graduation degrees.
However, Majumdar said, in some cases it is not clear whether the candidates have bachelor or higher degrees as they provided certificates of a particular diploma or likewise courses.
Of the candidates 2.12 percent or 23 candidates are accused in murder cases. In the past, the percentage was 4.33 or 47 candidates were accused with same charges, the survey added.
In all, 26 percent or 277 candidates are accused in criminal cases while 14 percent or 151 are accused with other charges, said the survey.
Among the 267 candidates, who are contesting for the post female vice-chairmen, 10 or 3.74 percent candidates are facing criminal charges including murder case against a candidate, the survey added.
Out of a total 444 candidates for the post of chairman only 147 have provided income tax related information while only 71 of them have paid the income tax.
The highest amount of income tax paid by a candidate was Taka 18 lakh. The 37.8 percent or 168 candidates own movable and immovable property amounting to Taka from one lakh to 10 lakh.
The 114 chairman candidates and their dependents or the 25.7 percent are owner of movable and immovable assets amounting to Taka 10 lakh to Taka 25 lakh.
The 15.1 percent or 67 candidates own movable and immovable Property amounting to Taka 25 lakh to 50 lakh, 0.2 percent or one candidate owns assets amounting to Taka 50 to 75 lakh , 4.3 percent or 19 candidates own assets amounting to Taka 75 lakh to one crore and 6.5 percent or 29 candidates own assets equivalent to Taka over one crore.
One of the candidates owns assets amount to Taka 14.40 crore and 3.6 percent or 16 candidates own assets amounting to Taka less than one lakh.
However, amount of asset could not be ascertained of 6.8 percent or 30 candidates, said the SJN executive.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
