I have been misquoted, says EC Secretary

Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on Wednesday said his recent remarks about carrying large amounts of cash during elections had been misquoted, expressing strong dissatisfaction over what he called the spread of misinformation.

Speaking at a press conference at the Nirbachan Bhaban, the senior secretary said reports claiming he had said there was “no problem in carrying Tk 5 crore” were incorrect.

“Unfortunately, my statement has been misquoted. It is very insulting to me, and I am very angry about this. Please refrain from spreading such misinformation,” he told journalists.

The controversy emerged after Thakurgaon district Jamaat Amir Belal Uddin Pradhan was detained at Saidpur Airport with Tk 74 lakh in cash, prompting reporters to ask the EC secretary how much money a person could legally carry during an election period.

Akhtar Ahmed said he never set or suggested any monetary limit. “I do not have the authority or power to say there is an upper limit or that a certain amount can be carried. I did not make such a statement,” he said, urging media outlets to verify quotes before publication.

He explained that he had only said the authorities who intercepted the cash would examine the source and purpose of the money and take action under relevant laws.

“There is no issue of legal interpretation from my side. Those who intercepted it will decide which laws apply. Why should I give such explanations?” he said.

The EC secretary also called on journalists to avoid what he described as a “misinformation culture,” stressing that accurate reporting was important as the country approaches polling day.

“We are standing on the threshold of a good election. If people are misled by incorrect information, it will be very unfortunate,” he added, noting that voting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 am on Thursday.