The Election Commission (EC) has issued an explanation following controversy over comments regarding the carrying of Tk5crore during the upcoming national elections.
EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed clarified on Wednesday evening that he was misquoted, stating he never suggested that carrying such a large amount of money would be allowed.
Speaking at a press briefing, Akhtar Ahmed expressed frustration over the misrepresentation, emphasising that he did not have the authority to make such statements.
“I never said carrying Tk5crore would be allowed. I don’t have the authority to make such a decision. Unfortunately, I have been misquoted,” he said.
“This kind of misinformation, especially just before the election, is very concerning.”
The controversy originated from earlier reports suggesting that Akhtar Ahmed had made comments allowing individuals to carry up to Tk 5 crore during the election period.
However, the EC secretary clarified that he was only discussing the role of authorities who are responsible for intercepting funds during the election process.
He explained that the decision to permit the carrying of money would depend on the source, amount, and purpose of the funds involved.
“I was asked about financial matters, and I explained that those authorities who intercept funds will make their decisions based on the source and purpose of the funds,” he added.
“If this was misinterpreted, it is extremely disrespectful, and I am deeply upset. I ask everyone to avoid spreading such misinformation.”
Addressing the legal aspects of carrying large sums of money, Akhtar Ahmed said there is no legal interpretation required from his side.
“The authorities responsible for intercepting the funds will make their legal judgment, not me. I have no authority to determine whether a certain amount of money can be carried or not.”
The clarification comes in the wake of the detention of Thakurgaon district’s Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Belal Uddin,who was arrested at Saidpur Airport on Wednesday morning while carrying Tk74lakh.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair has alleged that the arrest was part of a “fabricated” plot staged by law enforcement agencies.
He claimed that the incident, which occurred at a high-security location like the airport, appeared to be staged, and that Belal Uddin, a businessman by profession, was wrongfully targeted.
