The Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) discussed the favorable electoral environment prevailing in the pre-election period of the Barisal City Corporation (BCC) during a press conference held at the Kirtankhola auditorium in Barisal city on Wednesday
According to Shujan's analysis of data from the BCC election candidates, there has been an increase in the number of businesspersons and educated individuals participating in the election, while the number of candidates with criminal accusations has decreased.
In terms of professions, traders and businesspersons dominate, indicating a trend of individuals with financial resources and abilities occupying electoral and political positions.
Shujan leaders highlighted the declining number of candidates with limited education and the increasing presence of highly educated candidates, which is considered a positive sign.
Additionally, the analysis revealed a decrease in the number of cases against the candidates compared to previous elections, accompanied by an increase in income tax payment rates, both of which are encouraging developments.
Dilip Kumar Sarkar, the central coordinator of Shujan, expressed that the BCC election in 2018 was marred by various irregularities, including the capture of voting centers by muscle men and violations of conduct. He expressed hope that the present Election Commission would conduct a transparent and acceptable election, learning from the lessons of past elections.
During the press conference, Shujan presented a report that indicated two current cases (28.57%) against mayoral candidates, which was consistent with the previous election.
Furthermore, out of the council candidates, 32 individuals (27.12%) currently have cases, while in the previous council, 49 candidates (41.53%), including eight candidates facing Section 302 charges, had cases against them.
Regarding reserved female councilors, there are currently two candidates (4.76%) with ongoing criminal cases, showing a slight decrease compared to 2018.
In terms of educational qualifications, among the seven mayoral candidates, two have below SSC (28.57%), one has HSC (14.2%), two are graduates (28.57%), and two hold post-graduate degrees (28.57%).
Among the total of 118 council candidates in 30 wards, 26 candidates have education below SSC (22.03%), 23 candidates have completed SSC (19.49%), 29 candidates have HSC qualifications (24.48%), 19 candidates are graduates (16.10%), and 20 candidates hold post-graduate degrees (16.95%).
For the reserved 42 female councilor candidates, 20 candidates have education below SSC (47.62%), six candidates have completed SSC (14.29%), and two candidates have HSC qualifications (4.76%). A comparison with the candidates from 2018 reveals a decrease in the percentage of candidates with low educational backgrounds.
Regarding professions, 71.43% of the seven mayoral candidates are businesspersons, while 94 councilor candidates (79.66%) are traders. However, among the 42 reserved female councilors, 28 candidates (66.67%) are housewives, and only six candidates (14.29%) are professionals. Overall, the percentage of businesspersons among candidates has increased from 58.80% in 2018 to 62.87% this year.
Among the seven mayoral candidates, five candidates have paid income tax. Iqbal Hossain Tapas, one of the mayoral candidates, has paid the highest income tax in the last financial year, totaling Tk17.29 lakh. The second-highest taxpayer is Mufti Syed Md Faizul Karim from the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, with an income tax payment of Tk1,06,800, followed by Mizanur Rahman Bachchu from Zaker Party, who paid Tk92,396 in income tax.
Out of the 118 councilor candidates, 49 individuals (41.43%) have paid income tax, and among the 42 reserved female councilor candidates, eight individuals (19.05%) have paid income tax.
The rate of income tax payment has increased from 27.18% in 2018 to 37.13% this year, reflecting a positive trend.
