A video circulating on Facebook shows Supreme Court lawyer Barrister ASM Shahriar Kabir distributing money while supporting Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman in the Dhaka-15 constituency campaign.
In the viral footage, Kabir can be seen engaging with a betel leaf and cigarette vendor, inquiring about his business. The vendor expresses concerns about the country’s current situation, mentioning widespread fear among the populace and uncertainty regarding potential changes with a new government. Kabir proceeds to question the vendor about the impact of a new government and who ultimately controls people’s livelihood and fate. Emphasizing the importance of faith, Kabir suggests that Allah holds the ultimate power to bring prosperity.
During the interaction, Kabir raises thought-provoking questions about life after death, prompting the vendor to reflect on spiritual matters. Subsequently, Kabir discreetly offers a Tk 1,000 note to the vendor, as depicted in the video.
Following the video’s widespread circulation, Kabir clarified in an interview with The Daily Star that his actions were motivated by humanitarian concerns rather than electoral bribery intentions. He emphasized that the monetary gesture was not linked to securing votes and claimed ignorance regarding the vendor’s voter status in Mirpur.
Addressing suspicions surrounding the cash exchange, Kabir defended his actions by stating that acts of charity sometimes necessitate discretion. He mentioned engaging with hundreds of individuals during the campaign but did not provide monetary assistance to everyone present.
In response to queries about the incident, Dhaka-15 Returning Officer Md Yunus Ali indicated that he had not viewed the video and was unaware of the situation. However, he underscored that offering money during election campaigns contravenes electoral codes of conduct and assured that the Election Commission would investigate any formal complaints lodged.
