BNP candidate Shama Obaid reports lower income but higher assets

BNP candidate Shama Obaid's annual income has dropped over the past seven years, even as the value of her assets has grown significantly.

Shama, who is contesting the Faridpur-2 constituency covering Saltha and Nagarkanda, disclosed the figures in documents submitted to the Election Commission ahead of the 13th parliamentary election.

Her latest affidavit shows an annual income of Tk 2.19 million, down from Tk 3.01 million declared in the 2018 general election -- a drop of around Tk 818,000.

At the same time, the declared value of her movable assets has more than doubled. In 2018, these assets were listed at just over Tk 15 million. They are now valued at more than Tk 35 million, an increase of over Tk 20 million.

Shama’s immovable assets show a slight decline, although there have been changes in the details of land inherited through succession.

According to the affidavit, her income now comes primarily from apartment rentals, along with earnings from shares, savings certificates and bank deposits. She has also reported income from professional remuneration and honorariums.

Citizenship records show that Shama previously held both Bangladeshi and US citizenship. She formally renounced her US citizenship on Nov 20, shortly before the election schedule was announced.

In her affidavit, she describes herself as a businessperson and lists senior roles in several organisations, including as managing director of Allure Builders Limited and chairman of Avosilk Solutions.

Shama has been implicated in 18 cases. She has been acquitted in one, while 16 others were either withdrawn or resulted in her discharge in 2025. One murder case remains under investigation, according to the affidavit.

The acquisition value of her movable assets is listed at Tk 36.3 million, with an estimated current value of Tk 43.8 million. These include cash, bank deposits, shares and investments, a vehicle and gold.

Her immovable assets have an acquisition value of Tk 69.3 million, with an estimated current value of Tk 90 million. These include inherited non-agricultural land and a flat in Dhaka’s Banani area.

Shama has also disclosed the income and assets of her husband and son as required under election rules.

The district election office said that following scrutiny, the nomination papers of all seven candidates contesting the Faridpur-2 seat, including Shama, have been declared valid.

Voting in the constituency is scheduled for Feb 12, with more than 377,000 registered voters across 134 polling centres.