519 election candidates nationwide carry loans: SUJAN

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, the Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) has revealed that 519 out of 2,026 candidates—around 25.6%—are registered loan holders. Among them, 75 candidates have loans exceeding Tk 5 crore, accounting for 14.45% of indebted contestants.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) tops the list, with 167 loan-holding candidates, representing 32.17% of its total nominees.

The figures were presented on Saturday (February 7) at a press briefing at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club, organized by SUJAN under the theme “Candidate Information for the 13th Parliamentary Election.”

SUJAN Central Coordinator Dilip Kumar Sarkar provided the data, while Secretary Professor Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar moderated the session.

Compared to the 12th parliamentary elections, the proportion of candidates with loans has slightly decreased. The previous rate was 22.83%, while this year it stands at 20.93%.

This disclosure adds to the ongoing scrutiny of candidate backgrounds as voters prepare to cast ballots on February 12.