No specific limit for carrying cash during election: EC Secretary

There is no specific limit for carrying cash during the election period, Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed has said. He stated that if the source and legitimate use of the money can be demonstrated, there is no problem in carrying even Tk 5 crore, let alone Tk 50 lakh.

The EC Secretary made these remarks in response to a question from journalists at the Election Building on Wednesday, February 11. Journalists sought clarification on this matter following the arrest of Thakurgaon district Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Belal Uddin Praman with Tk 74 lakh.

In response to a question regarding how much cash an individual can carry during the election, the Secretary said, "If this money is legitimate and its source is legitimate, then there is no problem. A citizen can carry as much cash as they wish for personal work."

However, he also issued a caution regarding the use of money. EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said if the money is used to influence anyone in the election, then the matter will be examined by the 'Election Inquiry and Judicial Committee'. Furthermore, if the money has been acquired through illegal means or is black money, then law enforcement agencies will take action under existing laws.

Earlier, around 12:00 pm on Wednesday, Syedpur Airport Thana Police detained Thakurgaon district Jamaat Ameer Belal Uddin Praman with Tk 74 lakh. Following this incident, discussions began regarding the legal obligations concerning carrying cash during the election period.