Election, referendum to cost over Tk3,100cr: EC
An EC official said the budget may be increased slightly if required.
The Election Commission (EC) has fixed a total budget of Tk3,100 crore for the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election and the referendum.
The commission sources confirmed the decision today (28 January), saying the election budget was approved earlier in the day.
According to the breakdown, Tk1,200 crore has been allocated for election management, while Tk1,400 crore will go to law enforcement agencies for maintaining security. Another Tk500 crore has been earmarked for the referendum, postal ballots and other related expenditures.
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An EC official said the budget may be increased slightly if required.
According to commission sources, the 12th parliamentary election cost Tk2,276 crore. In the 11th national election held on 30 December 2018, around Tk700 crore was initially allocated for election management and law enforcement, though the final expenditure later rose.
The 10th parliamentary election in January 2014 cost approximately Tk264.68 crore, including Tk81.55 crore for election operations and Tk183 crore for law enforcement. Voting was held in only 147 constituencies that year, as 153 seats were decided uncontested, keeping costs relatively low.
EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said expenses have increased this time due to the holding of a referendum and the use of postal ballots.
Voting for the 13th parliamentary election is scheduled to be held on 12 February.
