Just ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, a series of cash seizures and arrests involving political activists has triggered controversy and renewed scrutiny over the role of money in electoral politics.
Large sums of cash have been recovered from individuals linked to multiple parties on Wednesday. However, most of the reported incidents have involved leaders or activists of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, according to police statements and local administrative sources. Allegations have also emerged against activists affiliated with BNP and at least one independent candidate.
The incidents have drawn widespread discussion on social media, where users have expressed concern over attempts to influence voters through financial inducements. Political parties have traded accusations, while Jamaat leaders have alleged that some actions were part of a campaign to discredit them.
In response to concerns over illicit financial activity, Bangladesh Bank restricted certain mobile banking and large-scale cash transactions days ago following a proposal from the Election Commission. Despite these measures, multiple incidents involving the transport or alleged distribution of cash have surfaced across the country.
Political analysts say the developments risk undermining public confidence in what is already a closely watched election.
Thakurgaon Jamaat leader detained with Tk74 lakh
One of the most high-profile cases involved Belal Uddin Prodhan, ameer of Thakurgaon district Jamaat, who was detained at Saidpur Airport with Tk 74 lakh in cash.
Police say he arrived on a flight from Dhaka and was stopped around midday on Wednesday after authorities searched his luggage and found the money in two bags. Initially, he reportedly told officials that he was carrying more than Tk 50 lakh; police later counted Tk 74 lakh.
Prodhan said the money came from his garment business. However, Thakurgaon district police stated that he had not been able to provide documentation verifying the source of the funds at the time of detention.
After reportedly feeling unwell, he was taken to Saidpur’s 100-bed hospital and later transferred to Rangpur.
Investigative journalist Zulkarnain Saer, in a Facebook post, cited income tax records suggesting Prodhan’s annual income was Tk 4,78,641 and total declared assets Tk 24,44 lakh. He questioned how such a large sum could be carried in cash. TIMES of Bangladesh was unable to independently verify the tax documents referenced.
Two-day jail sentence in Dhaka’s Sutrapur
In Dhaka’s Sutrapur area, a local Jamaat leader, Habib, identified as the Nayeb-e-Ameer of Sutrapur Thana Jamaat, was detained by residents outside a polling centre while allegedly distributing cash.
Police confirmed that a mobile court sentenced him to two days’ imprisonment for violating electoral conduct rules. Witnesses told authorities that he was attempting to distribute money to voters near a rice shop in Ward 44. An executive magistrate, after verification, imposed the sentence.
Tk15 lakh recovered from BNP candidate’s aide
In Lakshmipur-3 constituency, the army recovered Tk 15 lakh from a vehicle used in the campaign of BNP candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie.
Officials said the money was found in a vehicle belonging to his personal assistant, Badrul Alam Shyamal, who is also his cousin. The vehicle was reportedly being used for campaign purposes.
An executive magistrate confirmed that a show-cause notice had been issued, seeking an explanation within 30 minutes. The assistant was detained for questioning.
Later, it was determined by the joint forces the funds were legitimate.
Detentions in Cumilla
In Muradnagar, Cumilla, a Jamaat union-level leader, Habibur Rahman Helali, was detained by local residents who alleged he was attempting to buy votes. He was later handed over to authorities and remains in police custody pending further instructions.
On the same day in Chauddagram, two BNP activists were reportedly detained by residents over allegations of distributing money alongside voter slips. A video of the incident circulated on social media. However, when police arrived, the individuals were not present. Local officials said the matter had been referred to the electoral inquiry committee for investigation.
Microbus seized in Chattogram
In Chattogram-14 constituency, the army seized a microbus in Chandanaish containing Tk 10.49 lakh in cash late Tuesday night. Police said the funds were initially believed to be linked to an independent candidate.
The matter has been referred to the election tribunal for further verification and possible legal action.
Incidents in Sirajganj and Narayanganj
In Sirajganj’s Kamarkhand upazila, a video circulated online showing a Jamaat ward-level leader, Mostak Sarker, appearing to hand money to an individual before fleeing when confronted by bystanders. He was heard denying that he had come to buy votes.
In Narayanganj-3 constituency, a Jamaat activist was detained by BNP supporters over allegations of distributing money on behalf of a Jamaat candidate. Police later released him after reportedly finding insufficient evidence, according to the assistant returning officer.
Political reactions
BNP has accused Jamaat-e-Islami of attempting to “buy votes” to block what it described as the BNP’s “inevitable victory”. The allegation was made at a press conference by Mahdi Amin, spokesperson for the BNP’s central election management committee, following the Saidpur airport incident.
Jamaat spokesperson Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair, meanwhile, alleged that a coordinated smear campaign was under way to discredit the party ahead of the election. He made the remarks after meeting Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed.
Former election reform commission member Jasmine Tuli told TIMES that the recovery of cash before elections was not unprecedented in the country’s electoral culture.
“Although carrying cash is not directly prohibited under election law, if it is used to influence voters or the electoral process, it constitutes an electoral offence,” she said.
She added that determining responsibility requires careful investigation to establish whether actions were undertaken by candidates, supporters or individuals acting independently.
“We do not always see the full picture from outside,” she noted.
