Budget FY26: EC to get Tk3,000cr in election year
The EC will spend nearly Tk2,100 crore in FY26 to cover the costs of the upcoming parliamentary election and multiple local government polls.
The Election Commission (EC) has been allocated Tk2,964 crore for FY2025-26, during which the 13th national election is set to be held, in the proposed national budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The allocation, nearly triple that of the outgoing FY2024-25, reflects the government's focus on ensuring a fair and credible electoral process and marks a significant financial commitment as the country heads toward a crucial election year.
The FY26 budget was presented to the nation today (June 2) by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.
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Of the total allocation to EC, Tk2,726.95 crore has been designated for operational expenses, and Tk229.05 crore for development activities.
The EC will spend nearly Tk2,100 crore in FY26 to cover the costs of the upcoming parliamentary election and multiple local government polls, according to government officials.
In comparison, the EC had received Tk1,141.85 crore in FY25.
In his budget speech, the finance adviser emphasised the interim government's commitment to strengthening democratic institutions. "One of the main objectives of the interim government is to ensure a free and fair election, thereby safeguarding the people's right to vote and transferring power to an elected democratic government."
He said the electoral system was completely dismantled over the past decade and a half, stating, "That is why we are giving top priority to electoral reforms."
He noted that efforts are underway to amend and revise relevant laws, policies, and regulations to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Earlier, a ministry official, requesting anonymity, told The Business Standard that the EC had initially sought Tk5,921.73 crore to conduct around 2,500 elections, including national, city corporation, district and upazila council, municipality, and union parishad elections—both general and by-elections, during FY26.
The EC's total funding request included Tk2,800 crore for organising the parliamentary election and law enforcement expenses. Additionally, the EC requested Tk2,794.55 crore for local government elections, and Tk69.25 crore for maintaining the voter list and national ID services.
The interim government, headed by Prof Yunus, has announced that the national election will take place between December this year and June next year. However, political parties, including the BNP, are pressing for the polls to be held by December 2025.
For the 12th parliamentary election, held on 7 January 2024, the government initially allocated Tk2,406 crore, which was later revised to Tk4,769 crore to cover the full costs. Election budgets typically include not just polling expenses but also the deployment of law enforcement to maintain order.
In comparison, for the 2018 parliamentary elections, about Tk1,000 crore was allocated initially, with the final allocation increased through a revised budget.
