Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Tuesday said the interim government would not hesitate to utilize the funds allocated earlier that are necessary for holding the next election.
The adviser made the comment while talking to reporters after the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase meeting held at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year has allocated Tk2,956 crore for the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat—more than double the Tk1,230 crore earmarked in the last fiscal year.
Salehuddin unveiled the Tk790,000-crore budget on June 2.
Of the total allocation for the EC, Tk2,727 crore has been allocated for operating expenses, while Tk229 crore will go towards development activities.
The operating budget marks a significant increase from the current allocation of Tk793 crore, which was later revised to Tk716 crore for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
The sharp rise is widely believed to be aimed at covering the costs associated with the upcoming national election, which is likely to be held in February next year.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a recent visit to London, held a meeting with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Following the meeting, a joint statement from the interim government and BNP said the next election is likely to be held in February next year.
As such, the 12th parliamentary election is expected to be held during the 2025–26 fiscal year.
Earlier, the EC had requested approximately Tk2,800 crore to hold the next general election and ensure law and order during the polls.
The budget for the 12th general election, held on January 7, 2024, was Tk2,276 crore, while Tk700 crore was allocated for the 11th general election held on December 30, 2018.
