'Afterlife’ politics in Dhaka-15: Video shows Jamaat-aligned barrister Shahriar handing cash to hawker

A video featuring Barrister ASM Shahriar Kabir, campaigning for the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer in the Dhaka-15 constituency, has sparked a massive social media storm after he was seen engaging in a "theological" discussion with a street hawker and allegedly handing him cash. The footage, shared by Al Jazeera journalist Zulkarnain Saer and aired on several news channels, has raised serious questions regarding election code of conduct violations.

The exchange, captured during a door-to-door campaign today, portrays a stark contrast between the hawker’s anxiety over the current political climate and the candidate’s religious framing of the election.

The "Grave" Reality of Campaigning

In the leaked video, the hawker is heard expressing deep fear regarding the nation's stability and the transition to a new government. "People are living in panic," the hawker stated when asked about his business. In response, Barrister Kabir pivoted the conversation from political uncertainty to Islamic eschatology.

"Who is the owner of our Rizq (sustenance)?" Kabir asked. When the hawker replied "Allah," the Barrister continued, "Will you spend more time in this world or in the grave (Kobor)?" After the hawker conceded that one spends more time in the grave, Kabir concluded, "Then we must make arrangements to be well in the grave, right? Let’s move forward," and handed over the money smirking

The most controversial segment of the footage shows the Barrister handing over bank notes to the hawker immediately following the religious discourse. Under the Election Code of Conduct 2008, any candidate or person acting on their behalf is strictly prohibited from offering money or gifts to voters to influence their choice.

Barrister ASM Shahriar Kabir has responded to controversy surrounding a video where he is seen giving money to a businessman. Speaking to The Daily Campus, he explained that he had a long conversation with the vendor who said he had made no sales all day. Out of humanitarian consideration, Kabir gave him one thousand taka in full view of cameras. He emphasized that he did not ask for a vote in return and had similarly given money to small children earlier for buying toys, all in front of multiple cameras.

However, according to Rule 2008 of the Election Code of Conduct, during the pre-election period a candidate is prohibited from publicly or privately providing any form of subscription, donation, or promise thereof to any individual, group residing in the candidate’s electoral area, or to any institution located in that area or elsewhere.

This is not the first time Barrister Kabir’s campaign trail has been marked by religious ultimatums. Just weeks ago, on the night of 23 January, he delivered a speech at the Arji-Naogaon School field in Naogaon Municipality that drew widespread criticism.

During that event, he claimed that it is the "Imani duty" (religious obligation) of every Muslim to ensure a victory for the 'Scale' (Dhaka-15 candidate’s symbol). He told the audience that through this victory, one could "please Allah" and have an answer ready for the "Day of Resurrection" (Qiyamah).

"If you do not vote for the Scale, what answer will you give in your grave?" he reportedly asked at the Naogaon rally, a theme he appears to have carried into his current campaign in the capital.

As the 13th National Election enters its final 72-hour countdown, the Election Commission has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the Dhaka-15 incident. With tensions high, this viral video has added another layer of controversy to an already heated electoral race in the capital.