Dhaka, Jan. 23 -- More than 48 per cent of the candidates contesting the upcoming national elections in February are businessmen, according to the candidates' affidavits analysed by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

The figure is the lowest since the ninth parliamentary election.

It was 57.67 per cent in the 12th national election.

The number of teachers and advocates has risen.

However, only 1.56 per cent of the candidates have shown politics as their profession.

Over 25 per cent of the aspirants have taken loans in some form.

The TIB report titled "Candidate Profiles in Election Affidavits" was presented by Mohammad Tauhidul Islam, director of outreach and communication at the organisation, at a press conference in the ...