A significant controversy has erupted in the local political arena as serious allegations of fraud and financial misconduct have been levelled against Rashed Khan, former General Secretary of the Ganadhikar Parishad and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) candidate for the Jhenaidah-4 constituency.
The claims were publicly presented during a press conference on Monday afternoon at the Kaliganj town auditorium, where the complainants detailed multiple instances of alleged financial irregularities.
Among the accusers were banker Rashel Ahmed, his father Tajuddin Ahmed, Ganadhikar Parishad leader Zahura Begum, and Rashel Ahmed’s wife, who reportedly submitted several documents purporting to evidence the financial improprieties.
Rashel Ahmed told reporters that Rashed Khan had promised him both employment and political advancement in return for payments exceeding BDT 3.2 million. “I used the money to cover personal and family expenses,” he said. “He routinely demanded funds, even before a planned trip to China. I was also compelled to provide money for high-end mobile phones and laptops. Additionally, he obtained 16 instalments of car payments registered under a Dhaka resident’s name, leaving my family in severe financial distress.”
Another complainant, Amirul Islam of Kumrabaria village, alleged that he had paid BDT 500,000 for a promised position as a peon at Jesor Science and Technology University’s Jhenaidah branch, which he never received.
Zahura Begum, Senior Joint Convener of the Women’s Rights Council, stated, “I paid BDT 500,000 in the hope of receiving electoral advantages.”
Rashed Khan has categorically denied all allegations, calling them “completely baseless.” He added, “I have never accepted money in exchange for employment. This is part of a conspiracy, and such rumours should not be given attention.”
The table below summarises the principal allegations presented at the press conference:
| Complainant | Type of Allegation | Amount (BDT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashel Ahmed | Money taken under false promises | 3,200,000+ | Mobile phones, laptops, car instalments, other expenses |
| Amirul Islam | Job fraud | 500,000 | Neither job nor money received |
| Zahura Begum | Electoral inducement | 500,000 | Money provided for election-related purposes |
At the conference, the complainants urged the government to take swift legal action, emphasising that repeated instances of such fraud necessitate stringent measures and the enforcement of accountability to prevent recurrence.
The controversy has now attracted widespread local attention, raising questions over transparency in political fundraising and the conduct of local party representatives. Legal experts note that if proven, the allegations could have far-reaching implications for the upcoming election in Jhenaidah-4.