Tarique Rahman's election expenditure in Dhaka-17 was Tk 23 lakh: EC

BNP candidate and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's election expenditure in the Dhaka-17 constituency during the 13th National Parliamentary Election was Tk 23 lakh, according to sources at the Election Commission on Monday, March 30.

According to the expenditure statement submitted to the EC, this amount was spent on various sectors of election campaigning. Among these, Tk 5.50 lakh was spent on propaganda and campaigning, Tk 1.10 lakh on transport, and Tk 1.80 lakh on organising public rallies.

Additionally, Tk 3.60 lakh was spent on operating election camps. The largest portion of the total expenditure, Tk 9.84 lakh, was spent on election agents and other staff.

Meanwhile, Tk 66,000 was spent on housing and administrative sectors, and Tk 50,000 was spent on social media campaigning.

According to EC sources, the total number of voters in the Dhaka-17 constituency is 333,777. Under the Representation of the People Order, 1972, a candidate can spend a maximum of Tk 25 lakh or Tk 10 per voter, whichever is higher.

Based on this calculation, the expenditure limit for this constituency is Tk 33,37,770. The Election Commission said Tarique Rahman's expenditure was well below the prescribed limit.

Officials said keeping election expenditure within the prescribed limit is considered an important indicator of a transparent and fair election.