Application to Election Commission seeks cancellation of Amir Hamza's candidacy over alleged concealment of information in affidavit

Allegations of inconsistencies, concealment of information and false statements in his election affidavit and income tax return have been raised against Mufti Amir Hamza, member of parliament for Kushtia-3 (Sadar). A voter named Sirajul Islam has applied to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) demanding an impartial investigation into the allegations and necessary legal action.

In the written application submitted to the Election Commission on Tuesday afternoon (3 November), allegations of inconsistency were raised over various matters including Amir Hamza's bank accounts, cash, movable and immovable assets, details of his wife's assets, income from house rent, the price of his car, family expenses and election expenses.

The application says there are several mismatches between the information stated in Amir Hamza's election affidavit and his income tax return and other documents. The applicant has particularly questioned the amounts of bank balance and cash.

The applicant claims that although the income tax return shows a bank balance of zero, there is information that a significant amount of money was in the bank at the relevant time. Similarly, there is a difference between the cash stated in the affidavit and the money shown in the income tax return.

The applicant has also objected over whether the MP's wife's income tax return, details of agricultural and other assets in her name, and information about a residential plot in Kushtia town in Amir Hamza's name were properly disclosed.

The application further alleges inconsistencies in the price of the car used by the MP, income from house rent, family expenses and the accounts of election campaign spending. Questions have also been raised over the amount of gold and other asset details stated in the affidavit.

In the application, Sirajul Islam demanded an impartial and formal investigation of the allegations under section 91(5) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972. If the allegations are proven in the investigation, he applied for necessary legal action including declaring the elected candidate's candidacy invalid and cancelling the election under section 91(2) of the same order.

Amir Hamza's election affidavit, income tax return, his wife's income tax papers, election expense statement, car registration documents and deeds of other properties were attached to the application, the application states.

Complainant Sirajul Islam said: "I have made this complaint as a voter of Kushtia-3 constituency and a conscious citizen. There are inconsistencies on several matters in Amir Hamza's election affidavit. This information needs to be open to everyone and the allegations need a proper investigation."

Attempts were made several times by mobile phone to contact Mufti Amir Hamza, MP for Kushtia-3 (Sadar), for his comment, but he did not receive the calls. His comment on the matter could therefore not be obtained.