EC budget raised nearly 49pc ahead of local govt polls

The government has proposed an allocation of Tk 4,401 crore for the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat in the FY2026-27 budget, marking an increase of nearly 49% compared to the initial allocation of Tk 2,956 crore in the current fiscal year.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury placed the national budget of Tk 9.38 lakh crore in Parliament on Thursday.

The significant rise in the EC budget comes ahead of planned local government elections in the next fiscal year. According to officials, the first phase of voting, including Union Parishad elections, may begin in November. EC Senior Secretary Akhter Ahmed said the increased allocation is directly linked to the upcoming electoral cycle, adding that the Commission will ensure proper utilization of the funds.

Earlier, the Election Commission had sought Tk 5,500 crore for its operational needs, leaving a shortfall of more than Tk 1,000 crore in the proposed allocation.

Officials said the expanded budget is largely driven by preparations for large-scale local government elections, which have been pending for over two years. During this period, the terms of several local government bodies have expired, including 13 city corporations, 61 district councils, 500 upazila parishads, and 4,581 union parishads.

In FY2025-26, the EC received an initial allocation of Tk 2,956 crore, which was later revised to Tk 4,346 crore to cover expenses for the 13th national parliamentary election and the February 12 referendum.
The government said the increased allocation aims to ensure smooth conduct of upcoming elections and strengthen electoral administration across the country.