EC approves Tk3,100cr budget for 13th parliamentary election

The Election Commission (EC) has approved a Tk 3,100 crore budget for the upcoming 13th parliamentary election and referendum, and published the final list of polling centres across the country.

According to the EC, voting will take place at 42,766 polling centres with a total of 247,482 polling booths. To conduct the polls, 785,225 officials—including presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers—will be deployed nationwide.

The approved budget includes Tk 1200c crore for election management and administrative expenses, Tk 1400 crore for the deployment of law enforcement agencies, and Tk 500 crore for the referendum, postal ballots and other related purposes.

The commission said the allocation may be adjusted if necessary. By comparison, the 12th parliamentary election cost Tk 2,276 crore.

EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said overall expenditure has increased due to the concurrent holding of the parliamentary election and referendum, as well as the introduction of postal voting for expatriate Bangladeshis.

The EC has also decided to scrutinise the political neutrality of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) cadets assigned to election duties. Directives in this regard have been sent to the ministries of home affairs and defence, instructing authorities to verify cadets’ political affiliations prior to deployment and ensure that none engage in election campaigning or attempt to influence voters.

Additionally, the commission has imposed restrictions ahead of the polls on the giving or receiving of donations, grants and receptions. Under the electoral code of conduct, political parties, candidates or their supporters are prohibited from offering or accepting donations or gifts.

The approval, announcement or foundation-laying of government and semi-government development projects has also been barred during the election period.