Controversial 'Special Allocations' Target Three Dhaka Constituencies Before Polls

A BBC Bangla report published today (November 20) has raised questions regarding the Ministry of Local Government's sudden decision to allocate special development funds to 274 religious and social institutions in Dhaka, just ahead of the national elections scheduled for February.

The controversy stems from the fact that 273 of the 274 institutions receiving the funds—which include mosques, madrasas, temples, crematoriums, and graveyards—are located in just three of Dhaka's 20 parliamentary constituencies: Dhaka-9, Dhaka-10, and Dhaka-11.

Focus on Dhaka-10 and Adviser’s Connection More than half (145 institutions) of the beneficiaries are in Dhaka-10 (covering Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, Hazaribagh, and New Market areas), receiving Tk4.43 crore of the total Tk8.29 crore allocation made on October 16.

This comes shortly after Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan officially changed his voter registration to Dhaka-10 on November 10, indicating his intention to contest the election from that constituency.

When questioned by BBC Bangla about the disproportionate allocation, Adviser Asif Mahmud claimed ignorance regarding the recommendations that guided the funds, stating, "I don't know who applied for allocations in these institutions. Applications come in various ways, and allocations are made based on those applications." Allocations in Dhaka-9 and Dhaka-11

The remaining 128 projects of the 273 institutions received funds in Dhaka-9 (Sabujbagh and Khilgaon) and Dhaka-11 (Badda and Rampura), with each institution receiving Tk3 lakh, totaling Tk3.84 crore.

The report points out that candidates from the National Citizen Party (NCP), including Convener Nahid Islam and Senior Joint Secretary Member Tasnim Jara, are contesting in these two constituencies.

The BBC Bangla report notes that Election Commission law generally prohibits such special allocations after the election schedule is announced. Professor Mohammad Tariqul Islam, a member of the Local Government Reform Commission, told BBC Bangla that "Providing special allocations to certain constituencies just before elections is undoubtedly alarming."

Adviser Mahmud defended the move by asserting that the period for special allocations has not ended and that "Many other areas across the country are also receiving funds."