Dhaka, Jan. 13 -- BNP candidate Rafiqul Islam Maznu's wealth has surged nearly fivefold over the past seven years, according to his declaration for the Feni-1 parliamentary race.

His wife, businesswoman Najmun Nahar Hasi, has also seen her assets jump nearly 3.5 times during the same period.

The couple's combined movable and immovable assets are valued at over Tk 180 million. Maznu currently faces 168 cases, up from 57 in 2018.

Maznu, who serves as the convener of the Dhaka South City BNP, initially filed his nomination for the Feni-2 seat as an alternative candidate to former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

Following her death, he remains the primary contender under the "Paddy Sheaf" symbol.

He had earlier stepped in as the party's cand...