Law enforcement officers recovered Tk15 lakh from a vehicle used for the election campaign of BNP candidate Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anny in Lakshmipur–3 (Sadar) constituency on Wednesday night.

The money was seized around 8:00pm at a checkpost in the Jhumur area of the town. During the operation, Anny’s personal secretary and Krishak Dal Senior Vice-President Badrul Islam Shyamal, along with two others, were detained but later released.

Judge Tahrina Akter Nawrin of the Lakshmipur District Judge Court, who is also a member of the Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee, confirmed the recovery of the cash.

Speaking around 9:00pm, Lakshmipur District BNP Joint Convener Hasibur Rahman said the party is legally permitted to spend up to Tk4o lakh on election expenses.

“The Tk15 lakh found in the vehicle was part of our campaign expenditure. We have been served with a show-cause notice and will respond promptly,” he said.

In a video message later in the night, Anny said he was busy with campaign activities when he learned that his election vehicle had been searched.

He stated that his election agent was travelling to various polling centres with the funds, which were intended for centre-wise expenses.

“The authorities conducted the check, and the court has already released those concerned. There is no scope for confusion over the matter,” he said.