Photo : Messenger
The capital market stands as a pivotal force propelling a country's economy forward. Yet, amidst its significance, controversies shroud the stock market, raising concerns among common investors. Reports of irregularities, inconsistencies, and significant manipulations persist, casting shadows on its integrity. Despite these challenges, events within the capital market remain a topic of constant discussion year-round.
What further complicates this landscape is the involvement of prominent politicians in the market. Many have invested in shares of diverse companies, while others hold ownership stakes in entities listed within the capital market.
The findings emerged from a meticulous examination of the affidavits submitted by candidates to the Election Commission ahead of the imminent national parliamentary elections.
An intriguing discovery surfaces from these affidavits, revealing that a substantial majority of the Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers within the country have disclosed incomes derived from the capital market in their declarations.
Remarkably, there exists a cadre of at least a dozen MP-ministers intricately entwined with the capital market. They not only hold positions as owners or investors in listed companies but also wield direct or indirect influence in formulating and executing decisions pertinent to the capital market.
Salman F. Rahman's name comes first when mentioning the names of people involved in the capital market. Several companies of the Beximco Group owned by him are listed on two stock exchanges in the country. The advisor to the Prime Minister on Private Sector Affairs and Member of Parliament from Dhaka-1 Constituency has investments of Tk 24,45,26,944 in stock market and savings bonds. In the affidavit given to the Election Commission, he mentioned that most of his income comes from the capital market.
Next is Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. Once, several companies owned by him were listed in the capital market. But now he has come out of the ownership of the company. However, he has investments in the capital market and income therefrom. At present, AHM Mustafa Kamal's annual income from the capital market is Tk 21,98,769, as stated in the affidavit.
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader earns Tk 6,97,284 from the capital market every year. And his dependents get an income of Tk 4,80,922 from here.
President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and MP of Kishoreganj-6, Nazmul Hasan Papon, said that his annual income from the capital market is Tk 4,96,800. Besides, he has an income of Tk 68,80,154 from savings certificates.
Former mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation and current Awami League candidate for Dhaka-6 constituency, Syed Khokon, earns Tk 20,08,000 annually from the share market. He is the director of Islami Insurance Bangladesh. Dhaka-8 Constituency candidate AFM Bahauddin Nashim mentioned in his affidavit that his income from the capital market is Tk 8,486.
Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, Minister of State for Industry and Member of Parliament for Dhaka-15 Constituency, has an annual income of Tk 43,893 from the capital market.
Textile and Jute Minister and Narayanganj—1 Constituency MP Golam Dastgir Gazi's annual income from the capital market is Tk 91,42,375.
Former minister and current MP of Gopalganj-1 constituency, Muhammad Faruq Khan, earns Tk 19,89,220 annually from the capital market. And from here, the income of his dependents is Tk 18,31,250. Besides, Agriculture Minister and MP of Tangail-1 Constituency Abdur Razzak's income from the capital market is Tk 79,325.
Former minister and Dhaka-9 seat candidate Sabre Hossain Chowdhury said that he earns Tk 66,10,897 from the capital market every year. Meanwhile, Jatiya Party chairman GM Kader earns Tk 30 lakh annually from the capital market. In addition, the income of his dependents from here is Tk 10,00,000.
Besides, the income of Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power and Energy and Dhaka-3 Constituency MP, is Tk 5,90,6588 from the capital market every year. Jatiya Party candidate Syed Abul Hossain's income is Tk 76,475. His wife's income is Tk 33,47,221. Dhaka-7 candidate Mohammad Solaiman Selim's income from savings certificates and shares is Tk 9,46,20,000.
Dhaka-13 Constituency candidate Jahangir Kabir Nanak's income from shares in seven companies is Tk 2,17,70,000. His dependents have shares of Tk 46,49,208 in the listed company Delta Capital. And there is an investment of Tk 1,75,90,000 in unlisted companies. Dhaka-14 seat candidate Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil's income from savings certificates and shares is Tk 70,00,000. And his wife's income is Tk 26,00,000, and others' income is Tk 6,00,000.
Meanwhile, Dhaka-19 seat MP Dr. Enamur Rahman earns Tk 7,53,573 from shares and savings. Gazipur-1 seat candidate AKM Mozammel's income from shares is Tk 18,994. Gazipur-2 Constituency MP and State Minister Zahid Hasan Russell's income is Tk 98,000. And the income of his dependents is Tk 10,984. Besides, the income of Manikganj-3 Constituency candidate and Health Minister is Tk 3,33,59,536.
From the capital market, Narayanganj's 2 seat candidate, Nazrul Islam Babu, earned Tk 3,31,119; Narayanganj's 4 seat MP, Shamim Osman, earned Tk 15,79,541; and Narayanganj's 5 seat MP, AKM. Salim Osman earned Tk 51,95,795.
Anisul Islam Mahmud, a Jatiya Party candidate, former minister, and MP of Chattogram-5 constituency, has an income of Tk 3,47,78,587. Foreign Minister and MP of Sylhet-1 Constituency, A. K. Abdul Momen, has investments in unlisted shares. Sylhet: 6 constituencies MP and former minister Nurul Islam Nahid earned Tk 30,00,000 from shares and savings certificates.
Messenger/Disha
