Tarek alleges Tk 2cr bribe behind EC’s registering Destiny’s party

Aam Janatar Dal member secretary Tarek Rahman has levelled explosive allegations against the Election Commission (EC), claiming that the rival Aam Janagan Party led by Rafiqul Amin of the Destiny Group secured official registration in exchange for a bribe of Tk 2 crore.

Tarek Rahman made the claims during his ongoing hunger strike outside the EC headquarters in Agargaon, now entering its fifth day – over 100 hours without food – in protest against the non-registration of his own party.

“While my party is being denied registration despite fulfilling all legal requirements, Rafiqul Amin’s organisation was granted legitimacy through corruption,” Tarek Rahman told reporters on Saturday. “I have evidence. Officials from the EC met with representatives of Destiny Group at a five-star hotel in Dhaka. There, they finalised the registration – for a price.”

He demanded immediate cancellation of the rival party’s registration and called on the Chief Election Commissioner to launch an independent inquiry.

“There are honest officers within the EC who know what happened,” Tarek Rahman claimed. “One official, reportedly dissatisfied for receiving a smaller share of the alleged payment, disclosed the entire arrangement to us. I have submitted a formal complaint. Let the investigation begin.”

When questioned about proof, Tarek Rahman maintained that internal EC field investigators would uncover the truth. “They go into the field to verify parties. But behind closed doors, deals are being struck in hotels. That is the reality we face.”

Drawing a sharp analogy, he dismissed comparisons between his movement and that of Rafiqul Amin: “Imagine ten cars on a road – if one driver is reckless, does that mean no one else can drive? No. In politics, Rafiqul Amin is that reckless driver. His party should not be allowed on the road.”

Tarek Rahman further attacked Amin’s credibility, citing his recent imprisonment in connection with the embezzlement of savings belonging to 43 lakh clients under the Destiny Group. “He was jailed for stealing people’s hard-earned money. He was released because of the July uprising – not through any court verdict. Now, he is forming a political party not for public service, but to shield his assets.”

Despite growing health concerns, Tarek Rahman vowed to continue his fast until the EC responds formally. “I am unwell, but I will not break this strike until justice is served,” he said. “Last Thursday, a joint secretary from the EC heard my statement. Since then – silence.”

The EC has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. However, sources within the commission confirmed that Rahman’s complaint has been received and is under preliminary review.

Meanwhile, the controversy has ignited debate across political circles. Civil society leaders are calling for greater transparency in the party registration process, while opposition figures warn of systemic rot if such claims go unchecked.

Rafiqul Amin-led Aam Janagan Party have not yet commented on the allegations.

As tensions mount, all eyes remain on Agargaon – where one man’s hunger strike may soon force a reckoning for Bangladesh’s electoral gatekeepers.