The affidavits submitted by candidates ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election have brought to light a series of striking revelations, triggering widespread discussion and controversy. One such case involves BNP candidate Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed from Chattogram-14 constituency (Chandanaish–part of Satkania), whose rapidly growing wealth has drawn significant public attention.Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed, widely known as a close associate of former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Benazir Ahmed and often referred to as “Benazir’s cashier” in political discourse, has reported a dramatic increase in assets over the past one and a half years. According to official affidavits, the combined wealth of Jasim Uddin and his wife has increased by approximately BDT 845 million during this period. At present, they own 44 flats, two residential houses, an old seven-storey building, and two luxury hotels.
These details were obtained by reviewing the affidavit submitted to the Election Commission on December 29, 2025, during the nomination process for the national election, as well as an earlier affidavit submitted on April 30, 2024, when Jasim Uddin contested the Upazila Parishad election as a chairman candidate.
BDT 1.5 Billion in Cash Alone
According to the latest affidavit, Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed currently possesses movable and immovable assets worth BDT 4.041 billion. Of this amount, cash in hand alone stands at BDT 150.16 million. In comparison, his wife, Tanzina Sultana Juhi, has declared total assets worth BDT 28.39 million, including BDT 1.46 million in cash.
Over a span of one year and eight months, the total declared assets of the couple increased by BDT 845.17 million. However, a closer look at the figures reveals a striking shift: Jasim Uddin’s personal assets increased by nearly BDT 1.6 billion, while his wife’s declared assets decreased by approximately BDT 800 million. On April 30, 2024, Jasim Uddin’s total assets stood at BDT 2.425 billion, while his wife’s assets were valued at BDT 1.074 billion.
Hotel Business as Primary Profession
In his affidavit, Md. Jasim Uddin has identified himself professionally as a high-end hotel entrepreneur. He owns the Ramada Hotel in Cox’s Bazar, officially registered under IBIS Limited. In addition, he owns another hotel, Jessica International Limited, located in the Kotwali area of Chattogram city.
According to his 2024 affidavit, Jasim Uddin’s annual income was BDT 17.19 million. This included BDT 10.88 million from house rent, apartment rent, shop rent, and business operations. He also declared foreign income amounting to BDT 6.31 million, although the affidavit did not specify the country where this foreign investment was held.
In the most recent affidavit, his annual income has risen significantly to BDT 25.55 million—an increase of nearly one-third within less than two years. Notably, while his wife previously declared an annual income of BDT 1.065 million, the latest affidavit shows no income declared in her name.
Income Sources and Tax Contributions
A breakdown of Jasim Uddin’s current income shows BDT 120,000 earned from agricultural activities. Income from house rent, apartments, shop rent, and related businesses amounts to BDT 12.06 million annually, while business income stands at BDT 12.06 million. Income from foreign sources has been reported as BDT 1.30 million.
For the fiscal year 2025–26, Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed paid BDT 10.13 million in personal income tax, placing him among the country’s highest tax-paying politicians.
Extensive List of Properties
The affidavit reveals that Jasim Uddin owns a total of 44 flats across multiple prime locations. In Cox’s Bazar alone, he owns 30 flats valued at BDT 64.02 million. In Chattogram’s upscale Khulshi area, five flats have been valued at BDT 33.69 million, while three flats in Panchlaish are valued at BDT 11.55 million. Additionally, he owns six mini flats in Cox’s Bazar, collectively valued at BDT 15.42 million.
His immovable property portfolio also includes two residential houses in Chandanaish, valued at BDT 46.89 million, and 1.33 acres of “nala” land. He has declared ownership of a shop acquired through salami (advance payment) valued at BDT 1.5 million. Furthermore, Jasim Uddin owns an old seven-storey building in Chattogram valued at BDT 11.13 million.
In his wife’s name, a 10,300 square-foot flat in Khulshi has been declared, valued at BDT 21.09 million.
Legal Cases Against the Candidate
The affidavit also includes disclosures regarding pending legal cases. As of April 30, 2024, Jasim Uddin faced two cases under the Negotiable Instruments (NI) Act and two criminal cases, all of which were under investigation or trial.
However, following the July 2024 mass movement, he became accused in approximately eight additional cases filed in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Cox’s Bazar on charges including attempted murder. According to his latest affidavit, he has been acquitted in two cases filed in Dhaka, while several others remain under investigation.
Political Controversy and Criticism
During the tenure of the previous Awami League government, Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed was widely known as a close associate of former IGP Benazir Ahmed. In the 2024 Chandanaish Upazila Parishad election, he contested as an independent candidate and emerged victorious. Although he defeated the Awami League nominee, it was alleged that he enjoyed the direct support of a significant section of local Awami League leaders and activists.
During his campaign, Jasim Uddin reportedly assured local Awami League and allied organization leaders that he would continue to stand by them, further fueling controversy over his political alignment. As a result, when news broke on December 28 that he had secured a BNP nomination for the national election, it sparked widespread criticism and surprise among local BNP leaders and grassroots activists.
Numerous photographs circulating on social media show Jasim Uddin in close association with former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. Following the announcement of his BNP nomination, these images resurfaced online, intensifying criticism both within the party and among the general public.
Growing Questions Ahead of the Election
As the 13th National Parliamentary Election approaches, Md. Jasim Uddin Ahmed’s vast wealth, rapid asset accumulation, shifting political affiliations, and pending legal cases have become major topics of debate in Bangladesh’s political arena. The disclosures made in his affidavits have drawn close scrutiny from the Election Commission, political parties, civil society, and voters alike.
Against this backdrop, broader questions of transparency, accountability, and political ethics have once again come to the forefront, underscoring the challenges facing Bangladesh’s electoral politics as the country heads toward another national election.