Businessmen Dominate Bangladesh Parliament, Raising Conflict of Interest Concerns

A recent analysis by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has revealed that 65% of newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bangladesh are businessmen, the highest proportion among the last four parliaments. This dominance of businessmen in the parliament raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Why this matters: The concentration of business interests in the parliament can lead to policies that favor corporate interests over public welfare, undermining the democratic process. This trend can also perpetuate corruption and cronyism, eroding trust in institutions and hindering economic development.

The TIB launched its Know Your Candidate (KYC) analysis on December 26, 2023, which analyzed the electoral manifesto and affidavit of all candidates for election from the 9th to the 12th national parliament. The analysis aims to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The TIB's findings show that 15 MPspossess movable assetsvalued at Tk100 crore or more, with Golam Dastagir Gazi, an Awami League MP, declaring assets amounting to Tk1,345.77 crore. Furthermore, 85% of newly elected MPs have assets worth Tk1 crore, with an average ownership of movable assets increasing by 75% from the 10th to the 11th parliament.

The average ownership of movable assets has seen a staggering 70.41% increase from the 2018 election to the 2024 election. Additionally, the TIB's analysis revealed that 13 MPs illegally own more than 800 acres of excess land beyond the legal limit, violating the Land Reform Act 2023.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, TIB Executive Director, stated, "As an example of the credibility of the ruling party's 2024 election manifesto, any illegal income and assets should be confiscated following the due legal process. Therefore, we call for the distribution of some 800 acres of lands, illegally owned by the MPs, to the landless."

The TIB has called for the confiscation of any illegal income and assets of the lawmakers of the 12th Parliament through due legal process, setting an example of accountability. The organization's analysis highlights the need for greater transparency and scrutiny of elected officials' financial interests to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure fair representation in the parliament.

The dominance of businessmen in Bangladesh's National Parliament and the significant increase in their movable assets raise important questions about the integrity and impartiality of the country'slegislative body. As the TIB's findings suggest, addressing issues of illegal asset ownership and potential conflicts of interest is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic process.

Key Takeaways

• 65% of newly elected Bangladeshi MPs are businessmen, the highest proportion in 4 parliaments.
• 15 MPs possess movable assets worth Tk100 crore or more, with one MP having Tk1,345.77 crore.
• Average ownership of movable assets increased by 75% from 10th to 11th parliament.
• 13 MPs illegally own excess land beyond the legal limit, violating the Land Reform Act 2023.
• TIB calls for confiscation of illegal income and assets, and greater transparency to prevent conflicts of interest.