DHAKA: Among the mayoral candidates in the upcoming municipal elections, so far 36 have been facing murder cases.

Of them, seven candidates are from ruling Awami League, 15 from BNP and 14 candidates belong to independent and other political parties.

Total lawsuits against the mayoral candidates are 47 as some of them are even accused of several charges.

The information was retrieved from the affidavit papers submitted to the Election Commission (EC) by candidates.

However, the number of mayoral candidates, who were accused of murder cases, rose to 61 if the past is taken into account.

Of them, 22 candidates are from AL, 19 belong to BNP and 20 are independent and from other political parties. These 61 candidates bear 77 cases.

Both AL and BNP are closer to each other in terms of facing murder cases. In the past, more cases were filed against the AL candidates whereas, in the recent days, BNP candidates have been facing more murder cases.

After scrutinizing 904 mayoral candidates’ affidavit, it was noticed that there are 677 lawsuits are underway against 2,019 candidates.

Of them, 33 candidates are from AL, 96 from BNP and 90 from independent and other political parties.

EC’s website and SHUJAN research reports found out some interesting facts about the mayor runners of the impending polls.

BNP candidates are among the less educated compared to other political parties. About one fourth candidates’ educational qualification is below SSC.

Among 221 AL mayor runners, 40 candidates’ educational qualification is below SSC while 30 of them passed SSC, 57 passed HSC, 61 completed graduation and 29 acquired post-graduate degree.

Four AL candidates did not mention their educational qualifications.

Among 206 BNP mayor candidates, 40 candidates’ educational qualification is below SSC, 25 passed SSC, 53 below HSC, 56 acquired graduation and 27 acquired post-graduate degree.

Five candidates did not mention their educational qualifications.

Besides, a total of 652 mayoral candidates among 904 are businesspersons.

Eight mayoral runners’ annual income is above Tk one crore. Of them, five candidates are from AL, two from BNP.

SHUJAN secretary Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar told banglanews that they have observed EC’s website till December 17.

He also said many candidates did not provide some information that “everyone has the right to know”, he opined.

BDST: 2100 HRS, DEC 19, 2015
AS/SR/RR