Physicians lead Jamaat’s richest candidates in Chattogram

Bangla Press Desk:   Physicians lead Jamaat’s richest candidates in Chattogram, with four doctors among the party’s nominees declaring assets exceeding Tk1 crore, according to affidavits submitted to the Election Commission. 

Nine of the 14 Jamaat candidates contesting the polls in the region – and the wives of five – own assets worth more than Tk1 crore each, an analysis of the affidavits reveal.

Among the candidates, physician Dr Mohammad Faridul Alam, contesting from Chattogram-12 (Patiya), is the wealthiest in terms of assets. His immovable property is valued at Tk5 crore, while his movable assets amount to Tk7.15 lakh. He also reports the highest cash in hand, totalling Tk3.02 crore. His wife owns assets worth Tk2 crore.

While Dr Faridul Alam tops the list in immovable wealth, the highest annual income among Jamaat candidates belongs to Shahjahan Chowdhury, contesting from Chattogram-15 (Satkania–Lohagara). His annual income stands at Tk70.05 lakh, compared with Tk4.60 lakh for his wife. He reports Tk1.34 crore in cash, with total assets of Tk2 crore, while his wife’s assets amount to Tk40 lakh.

At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest annual income has been reported by Mahmudul Hasan, a retired teacher contesting from Chattogram-13 (Anwara). His declared annual income is Tk50,000, with Tk81,000 in cash. His total assets amount to Tk15.19 lakh, while his wife owns assets worth Tk65 lakh.

Physicians among the wealthiest

The affidavits reveal that four Jamaat candidates are physicians involved in managing private hospitals, with their spouses also holding assets exceeding Tk1 crore.

Besides Dr Mohammad Faridul Alam – also chairman of Chevron Clinic and Diagnostic Centre – the physician candidates include ATM Rezaul Karim from Chattogram-7 (Rangunia), Mohammad Abu Naser from Chattogram-8 (Boalkhali Upazila and Chandgaon), and AKM Fazlul Haque from Chattogram-9 (Kotwali and Bakolia).

Orthopaedic surgeon ATM Rezaul Karim, managing director of Parkview Hospital, reports an annual income of Tk34.72 lakh, while his wife, Kohinur Nahar Chowdhury, also a physician, earns Tk8 lakh a year. He has Tk8.34 lakh in cash, with total assets worth Tk4.70 crore. His wife owns assets worth Tk1 crore.

Mohammad Abu Naser, a specialist surgeon and executive director of National Hospital, reports an annual income of Tk48.60 lakh and Tk37.32 lakh in cash. His total assets stand at Tk2.59 crore, while his wife’s assets amount to Tk1.94 crore.

AKM Fazlul Haque, chairman of Parkview Hospital and managing director of Metropolitan Hospital, reports an annual income of Tk19.71 lakh and Tk17.13 lakh in cash. His wife has Tk45.33 lakh in cash. His total assets amount to Tk7.72 crore, while his wife’s assets stand at Tk2.23 crore. His candidature was initially declared invalid during preliminary scrutiny due to dual citizenship, though he has said he is preparing to file an appeal.

Assets of other candidates

Saifur Rahman, an advocate contesting from Chattogram-1 (Mirsharai), reports an annual income of Tk10.87 lakh, Tk16.73 lakh in cash, and total assets of Tk52.31 lakh.

Mohammad Nurul Amin, candidate from Chattogram-2 (Fatikchhari), earns Tk6.12 lakh annually and has Tk3.38 lakh in cash, while his wife holds Tk24.37 lakh in cash.

Mohammad Anwarul Siddiqi, contesting from Chattogram-4 (Sitakunda), reports an annual income of Tk5.66 lakh, Tk90,000 in cash, and total assets of Tk43.80 lakh. His wife owns assets worth Tk25.68 lakh. Mohammad Shahjahan Manjur, candidate from Chattogram-6 (Raozan), reports no cash in hand, an annual income of Tk4.80 lakh, and total assets of Tk81.30 lakh.

From Chattogram-10 (Halishahar–Double Mooring), Mohammad Shamsuzzaman Helali reports an annual income of Tk10.32 lakh, Tk2.16 lakh in cash, and total assets of Tk1.55 crore.

Shafiul Alam, contesting from Chattogram-11 (Bandar–Patenga), earns Tk14.30 lakh annually, has Tk27.84 lakh in cash, and total assets worth Tk1.61 crore, while his wife owns assets worth Tk37.77 lakh.

Mohammad Zahirul Islam, candidate from Chattogram-16 (Banshkhali), reports an annual income of Tk5.71 lakh, Tk7.93 lakh in cash, and total assets of Tk2.27 crore. His wife has Tk10.63 lakh in cash, with assets amounting to Tk80,000.

BP/TD