The cost of the upcoming national elections has surged significantly as the government prepares to hold the 13th parliamentary polls and a constitutional referendum simultaneously.
The total election budget has now crossed Tk3,150 crore, with a substantial portion earmarked for a massive promotional campaign for the referendum.
According to the Budget Branch of the Election Commission (EC), six ministries have been allocated approximately ৳140 crore specifically for referendum-related publicity.
Breakdown of Promotional Funding
The EC revealed that these funds are being distributed among various departments to ensure widespread "Yes" vote campaigning:
- Local Government Engineering Department (LGED): Tk72 crore (including CCTV coverage)
- Ministry of Cultural Affairs: Tk46 crore
- Ministry of Religious Affairs: Tk7 crore
- Ministry of Information: Tk4.71 crore
- Ministry of Social Welfare: Tk4.52 crore
- Ministry of Women and Children Affairs: Tk4.34 crore
Additionally, the Election Commission’s own public relations wing is spending Tk4 crore on the campaign. While four ministries have already received their disbursements, the remaining two are awaiting final approval from the Finance Ministry.
Escalating Election Costs
The total budget of Tk3,150 crore is a sharp increase from the initial Tk2,080 crore allocated before the referendum was added to the schedule.
- Law Enforcement: Tk1,400 crore
- Management & Operations: Tk1,200 crore
- Referendum & Ancillary Costs: Over Tk500 crore
EC Additional Secretary K.M. Ali Nawaz stated that the Commission is handling the procurement of ballots and logistics directly, but has provided funds to these ministries for campaigning based on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Finance Ministry.
"They are managing how and through whom the promotion is being conducted; we cannot comment on their specific methods," he said.
Observations from the Field
Despite the large budget, reports from across the country suggest that active physical campaigning remains limited primarily to television, radio, and leaflet distribution.
However, government offices and upazila election centers are prominently displaying large banners and festoons urging citizens to vote "Yes" in the referendum.
There are also unconfirmed reports and internal discussions regarding the selection of third-party vendors for these promotional materials, with some alleging that contracts were awarded based on recommendations from certain advisers.
The dual vote—the 13th General Election and the Referendum on the "July National Charter"—is scheduled for February 12, 2026.
