In the upcoming 13th national parliamentary elections, Tania Rob, senior co-chair of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), has filed her candidacy for the Laxmipur-4 constituency, which covers Ramgati and Kamalnagar. Analysis of the affidavits submitted to the Election Commission reveals a striking financial disparity between Tania Rob and her husband, ASM Abdur Rob, a veteran political figure.
The affidavit shows that Tania Rob’s declared assets are approximately 8.5 times greater than those of her husband, while her annual income is nearly three times higher.
This election has seen a total of 25 candidates contesting across Laxmipur’s four constituencies, with Tania Rob being the sole female contender. She hails from Charbadam village in Ramgati Upazila. Her husband, ASM Abdur Rob, is historically notable for leading the hoisting of Bangladesh’s first national flag at Dhaka University on 2 March 1971.
According to the submitted documents, Tania Rob holds a bachelor’s degree. Her annual income is reported at 82.92 lakh BDT, with total assets amounting to 14.08 crore BDT. In contrast, ASM Abdur Rob earns 25.99 lakh BDT annually, with total assets of 1.65 crore BDT.
A detailed breakdown of their wealth highlights the differences:
| Category | Tania Rob | ASM Abdur Rob |
|---|---|---|
| Cash in Banks | 2.49 lakh BDT | 16.43 lakh BDT |
| Shares & Bonds | 5.75 crore BDT | 1 crore BDT |
| Investments/Deposits | 45 lakh BDT | 30 lakh BDT |
| Vehicles | 2 cars (61.65 lakh BDT) | – |
| Gold & Jewellery | 50 tolas | 10 tolas |
| Furniture & Other Assets | 10 lakh BDT | 10 lakh BDT |
| Immovable Property (Buildings) | 1.29 crore BDT | – |
| Rental & Financial Income | 82.92 lakh BDT (14.72 lakh + 68.19 lakh) | 54.55 lakh BDT (inheritance + deposits) |
| Latest Income Tax Paid | 23.21 lakh BDT | 3.48 lakh BDT |
Tania Rob’s non-immovable assets include bank deposits of 2.49 lakh BDT, shares in listed and unlisted companies worth 5.75 crore BDT, and deposits or investments of 45 lakh BDT in various financial institutions. She owns two cars valued at 61.65 lakh BDT and holds 50 tolas of gold and jewellery, alongside furniture worth 10 lakh BDT. The acquisition cost of these movable assets totals 6.94 crore BDT. Her immovable assets include buildings worth 1.29 crore BDT, generating an annual rental income of 14.72 lakh BDT, supplemented by 68.19 lakh BDT from financial institutions.
In comparison, ASM Abdur Rob has deposits of 16.43 lakh BDT, shares worth 1 crore BDT, and a fixed deposit of 30 lakh BDT. He owns 10 tolas of gold and furniture valued at 10 lakh BDT, in addition to inherited assets worth 54.55 lakh BDT. His last income tax payment was 3.48 lakh BDT.
The significant wealth gap between the couple has attracted attention ahead of the elections, highlighting the substantial financial standing of Tania Rob in comparison to her historically prominent spouse.