TIB says 33.8% of candidates exceeded spending limits, average cost hits Tk1.2cr
Despite directives from the Election Commission instructing candidates to remove campaign materials, 81.3% failed to comply, TIB says.
A study by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) found that 33.8% of candidates exceeded the election expenditure limit, spending an average of Tk1.19 crore even before the official campaign period ended, highlighting widespread violations of electoral rules.
The findings were presented at a press conference held at the TIB auditorium this morning (8 February).
According to the study, political parties and candidates began campaigning before the permitted timeframe and violated provisions of the Wall Writing and Posters (Control) Act, 2012 by displaying promotional materials on walls, pillars, vehicles and other structures.
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TIB said potential candidates spent significant amounts of money before the official campaign period began.
Overall, 33.8% of candidates exceeded the expenditure ceiling, by spending an average of Tk1,19,61,310 between 4 December 2025 and 1 February 2026.
Despite directives from the Election Commission instructing candidates to remove campaign materials, 81.3% failed to comply.
In one instance, a campaigning candidate reportedly threatened an executive magistrate over the phone after being asked to remove campaign materials, TIB noted.
The study also observed attempts to influence the administration, as well as statements by political leaders that allegedly pressured others to work in favour of particular parties.
The Election Commission in December adopted a new framework for spending limit for candidates.
Under this framework a candidate in each seat is allowed to spend either Tk25 lakh or Tk10 per voter – whichever amount is greater. This means in a seat with 2.5 lakh or fewer voters, the spending limit is Tk25 lakh.
In a seat with more than 2.5 lakh voters, the limit will be determined proportionately according to the number of voters.
If a constituency has 3,00,000 voters, then the per-voter calculation (Tk10 per voter) pushes up the spending limit to Tk30 lakh. In Dhaka-19, with about 7.5 lakh voters, a candidate can spend up to Tk75 lakh.
