Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday revealed substantial wealth increase by the winners of the past few local government elections. It also slammed the whole local government system in Bangladesh for failing to prioritize public needs.

The graft body analyzed and reviewed affidavits submitted by candidates in the second phase of the 6th Upazila Parishad Election 2024 and their findings proved that many candidates prioritize personal gain over public service.

TIB observed an unhealthy trend where candidates view public office as a means to accumulate wealth and assets, rather than a chance to serve the community.

Their analysis of the local government elections of the last decade shows that incumbent candidates exhibited substantial growth in both income (540.68% on average) and movable assets (211.98%).

Conversely, first-time candidates experienced a 56.47% uptick in income while observing a decrease of 45.44% in movable assets over the same period. On average, incumbent candidates saw their income rise by 140.61% over the last five years, whereas new candidates witnessed a 77.44% increase.

The analysis revealed a similar trend in movable assets, with incumbent candidates averaging a 231.62% increase, while new candidates showed a 100.33% 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.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, head of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), pointed out that long-time politicians seem to see their positions as a path to personal enrichment. He noted that these incumbents often show significant wealth growth, creating an unfair advantage and unhealthy competition.

This, he argued, shifts the focus away from serving the public good and towards accumulating wealth. Finally, he expressed frustration that authorities seem uninterested in investigating the suspicious wealth increases declared by these politicians.

The TIB analysis meanwhile revealed a significant presence of businesspersons in local government elections. Compared to the 4th election, the 6th election saw an 8% increase in businessperson candidates, bringing the total to 57%.

The breakdown is as follows: 70.51% of chairman candidates, 68.73% of vice chairman candidates, and 29.26% of female vice chairman candidates are businesspersons. Interestingly, 51.63% of female vice chairman candidates identified as homemakers, and among these homemakers, 14.55% earn a living from businesses.