Dhaka, Feb 16 (V7N) — Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported that 236 MPs (79.46 percent) elected in the 13th National Parliament are millionaires, and 13 winners are centenarians, according to the report “Thirteenth National Parliament Election Process and Affidavit-Based Observation” released on Monday at the Midas Center.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the election was generally acceptable and inclusive. Law enforcement agencies prevented 75 percent of fraudulent voting attempts, but irregularities occurred in 40 percent of the centers covered by the TIB study.

Key Findings from the TIB Report

  • Maximum average expenditure limit for candidates: 4.424 million taka. Actual average spending: 1.923 million taka, exceeding the legal limit by 7.498 million taka in some cases.

  • 99 percent of candidates violated some aspect of the election code of conduct.

  • 46.4 percent of voters were either threatened, chased away, or denied entry to polling centers.

  • The report clarified that not all Awami League workers boycotted the election; many actively participated in various ways supporting the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The briefing highlighted both the strengths and shortcomings of the electoral process, emphasizing the continued need for accountability and reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

END/SDMA/AJ