Mostafizar Rahman, former mayor of Rangpur city, claimed that he did not have any annual income for the last 5 years even though he withdrew over 80 lakh in honorarium during this period.

He made the claim in the affidavit he submitted to the Election Commission on November 27 for the upcoming Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) elections.

As per electoral rules, each candidate has to submit an affidavit containing various information, including a financial statement, educational background, declaration of profession, and a record of criminal cases, if any.

Mostafizar was elected mayor in January, 2018, and his tenure ended in November this year. He is running with the Jatiya Party ticket.

According to RCC sources, Mostafizar withdrew Tk 1.35 lakh a month honorarium during this period. The honorarium included festival and travel allowances, alongside other benefits.

The former mayor has withdrawn over Tk 80 lakhs for his services, added an RCC official.

In the affidavit, Mostafizar said he was the former mayor of the city. He also claimed that the dependent members of his family earn Tk 20.5 lakh annually by renting out houses, shops, and other establishments.

He also cited that his wife owns a house and a building, and no one else in the family owns any immovable property.

Mostafizar and his wife jointly own movable properties worth Tk 35 lakh, including cash, jewelry, bank deposits, furniture, and electronic devices. He is not facing any criminal charges, the documents read.

Meanwhile, Mostafizar submitted another statement to the EC on the same day, announcing that he would spend Tk 14 lakhs on his campaign.

According to media reports, Mostafizar in 2017 claimed that his annual income was Tk 3.5 lakh.

Mostafizar could not be contacted for comments despite repeated attempts.

A total of nine candidates are running for mayor in the RCC elections which will be held on December 27.