The total liabilities of BNP-nominated candidate for Bogura-1 (Sariakandi–Sonatola) Kazi Rafiqul Islam are 11 times higher than his assets.
According to his election affidavit, his total assets stand at Tk 64.38 crore, while his combined personal and guaranteed debts amount to Tk 746.13 crore. Rafiqul has personally borrowed Tk 261.58 crore from First Security Islami Bank.
Additionally, as chairman and managing director of OK Enterprise Pvt Ltd, OK Properties Ltd, and OK Trade International Ltd, he is a guarantor for EXIM Bank loans totaling Tk 484.55 crore. This matter is currently under High Court stay orders.
Despite his significant liabilities, Kazi Rafiqul Islam holds Tk 36.78 crore in cash, with total assets worth Tk 64.38 crore. His declared annual income is Tk 25.42 lakh, derived from sources including shares, bonds, bank deposits, salary, honorariums, agriculture, and rental income.
He maintains Tk 81.39 lakh in nine personal bank accounts, Tk 2.02 crore with Fakhrul Islam Securities Limited, and investments worth Tk 3.39 crore in bonds, debentures, and shares of listed and non-listed companies.
Regarding immovable property, the former lawmaker owns 219 decimals of agricultural land valued at Tk 59.14 lakh, 38 decimals of non-agricultural land worth Tk 54.83 lakh, and three houses and apartments valued at Tk 50 lakh.
His wife holds assets totaling Tk 5.12 crore, with an annual income of Tk 8.87 lakh, bank and financial deposits of Tk 46.67 lakh, and investments in bonds, debentures, and shares amounting to Tk 2.05 crore.
The affidavit also reveals four criminal cases filed against him, all by First Security Islami Bank. Proceedings in two cases have been stayed by court orders, while the other two are ongoing.
Adding a new twist to the contest, BNP announced its nomination for the same Bogura-1 seat to AKM Ahsanul Tayeb, president of Sonatala Upazila BNP, just one day before the nomination deadline, setting the stage for a highly competitive race.
