Election Commission (EC) Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed today said he was misquoted in a report linking him to a financial issue.

“I have been quoted as saying that it would be fine to carry Tk 5 crore. I do not have the authority, right, or power to say this, and I did not say it,” he told reporters at the EC's headquarters in Dhaka's Agargaon this evening.

Referring to a media report that cited him in connection with the detainment of a Jamaat leader carrying a large sum of cash in Saidpur airport, Akhtar said, “It is unfortunate. I am telling you openly now, I was misquoted. Please do not misquote like this… We are on the verge of a good election. If people are misled with such misinformation, it will be very regrettable.”

He explained that his only comment was that the authority intercepting the funds would decide on the source, amount, and purpose of the money.

“That is the only thing I said. If this is misquoted, it is insulting. I am angry, and I am expressing my strong reaction through you [the media],” he added.

On complaints from Jamaat leaders, the EC secretary said a delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami and 11-party alliance leaders had met him earlier in the day.

“They reported problems at different centres and incidents involving their agents. We advised them to inform the Electoral Inquiry Committee, the returning officer, and the local police. They still informed us, and we will provide whatever support we can from our side.”

Asked about the legal explanation of how much money a candidate can carry, the EC secretary said, “There is no legal interpretation here. The authority that intercepted the funds will give the explanation. Why should I?”

He urged journalists not to seek legal interpretations from him, saying, “That would be unfair to me. Please refrain from this culture of misinformation.”

“Let us all remain committed to making the election fair and peaceful,” he said.