In a significant turn of events, 116 District Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from across Bangladesh have found themselves at the center of an extensive investigation into corruption, illegal earnings, and involvement in alleged election rigging during past general elections. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has recently launched a crackdown, with its income tax intelligence and investigation unit probing these officials for potential tax evasion linked to their illicit earnings. Many of these individuals remain in prominent positions within the country’s administration, some even holding crucial roles under the interim government.
Allegations of Election Engineering: The Masterminds of Rigged Polls
These DCs and SPs have long been labeled the ‘masterminds’ behind the controversial rigging of elections, particularly the 2018 general election, which remains a focal point of public outcry. Their involvement has sparked significant allegations, with reports suggesting that several of them manipulated results to ensure the victory of preferred candidates, particularly from the ruling Awami League, during the night before voting took place. Such practices included altering ballots, tampering with voter rolls, and engaging in voter intimidation, all in an effort to secure outcomes favorable to the party in power.
During the 2018 election cycle, a leaked intelligence report from the National Security Intelligence (NSI) painted a dire picture of the electoral landscape. It indicated that only 22 of the 300 parliamentary constituencies were realistically up for grabs for the ruling Awami League, while the rest had strongholds for opposition parties such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the Jatiya Party. Despite these odds, the political machinery was reportedly fine-tuned for rigging, and the DCs and SPs played an instrumental role in executing this process.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence: The DCs and SPs
Out of the 116 individuals under investigation, 57 were District Commissioners (DCs) and 59 were Superintendents of Police (SPs) who played a pivotal role in the 2018 general election. According to sources from the NBR, these officials allegedly amassed significant sums from the candidates they aided in securing their victories, with some reports even claiming the payment of substantial “handshake amounts” for their assistance.
Notably, these individuals have remained entrenched in their positions within the bureaucracy, with some continuing to hold significant authority even under the interim government. Their connections within the ruling government ensured favorable postings, despite their controversial roles in the electoral processes. Many of them are now facing the scrutiny of income tax authorities as their financial records are being closely examined.
The NBR Crackdown and Tax Evasion Investigations
The NBR’s income tax intelligence division has been tasked with investigating the illicit earnings of these officials, many of whom are suspected of failing to report substantial income and assets. The NBR has compiled a list of 116 DCs and SPs whose financial dealings are now under intense scrutiny, particularly regarding possible tax evasion and money laundering.
One high-ranking NBR official, speaking anonymously, stated that these DCs and SPs were widely despised by the public for their role in electoral malpractice. In the aftermath of the fall of the “fascist government,” as the opposition and critics have termed the administration, these officials continue to face growing public resentment. According to the NBR official, extensive documentation has now surfaced, shedding light on potential tax evasion, and the NBR is committed to uncovering discrepancies in their financial disclosures.
Legal Repercussions and Investigations
If these investigations uncover evidence of tax evasion or illicit wealth, the NBR will take legal action against the implicated officials in accordance with tax laws. Furthermore, any assets found to be hidden from tax authorities will be forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which will initiate a separate investigation into the sources of these assets and potential corrupt practices. According to Dr. Syed Aminul Karim, former member of NBR’s tax policy division, the real challenge is uncovering the “hidden tax payers,” or individuals who have evaded taxation for years while amassing significant wealth.
As the NBR conducts its investigations, it has been noted that many of these officials were not only involved in electoral malfeasance but may have used their positions to amass wealth through other illicit means, including illegal business dealings, corrupt land transactions, and extortion from local businesses.
The Public Outcry: An Unsettling Legacy
The public has been vocal about its anger towards these officials, particularly due to the perceived abuse of power and the subsequent cover-up of corrupt activities within the state apparatus. Many citizens have claimed that the success of the 2018 elections was compromised due to this orchestrated manipulation, and the lingering effects of this electoral manipulation continue to affect the credibility of the Bangladeshi political system.
According to Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Senior Fellow at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), the NBR’s investigation into the finances of these officials is a step in the right direction, but he stressed that it should not be confined to this group alone. “The investigation should not stop here. There are numerous other areas in governance and administration where similar malpractices and corruption may have been taking place. It’s essential to widen the scope of the inquiry,” he added.
The Political Fallout: Power Plays and Legal Implications
As the NBR works through the investigation process, the political implications of the findings are likely to extend beyond the bureaucracy. The 2018 election was marred by accusations of electoral fraud and rigging, which left a dark stain on the legitimacy of the ruling Awami League’s victory. Investigations into the role of these officials could lead to broader ramifications for the party in power, potentially influencing upcoming elections and reshaping the political landscape in Bangladesh.
The NBR’s investigation serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked power and corruption within the state apparatus. While some hope that this inquiry will lead to greater accountability and transparency, others remain skeptical, questioning whether the findings will truly lead to meaningful reforms or if the investigation will be merely symbolic in nature.
A Turning Point for Bangladesh’s Political Future?
The revelations about the role of DCs and SPs in election rigging and the ongoing NBR investigation highlight a critical moment for Bangladesh’s political and governance systems. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will yield significant reform or if they will simply be yet another chapter in the saga of corruption that has plagued the country’s political landscape for years.
What is clear is that these investigations are a step toward greater accountability, and as the public’s frustration with electoral malpractice grows, pressure on the government to take decisive action will only intensify. Whether this leads to genuine reform in Bangladesh’s election process remains to be seen, but the involvement of the NBR and other agencies signals a potentially transformative moment for the country’s future governance.
References:
- “Bangladesh Election Manipulation: The Role of District Commissioners and Police.” Kaler Kantho, 2025.
- “Corruption and Election Malpractice in Bangladesh.” Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), 2025.
- “Bangladesh National Board of Revenue and Tax Evasion: A Case Study.” NBR, 2025.
- “Income Tax Laws and the Role of Public Officials in Corruption Cases.” Dr. Syed Aminul Karim, Former Member, NBR, 2025.
- “The Legacy of 2018 Bangladesh Elections: A Critical Review.” Mustafizur Rahman, CPD, 2025.
