The proposed national budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year has allocated Tk 2,956 crore for the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat -- more than double the Tk 1,230 crore earmarked in the current fiscal year.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed unveiled the Tk 790,000-crore budget on Monday through state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar.

Of the total allocation for the EC, Tk 2,727 crore has been designated for operating expenses, while Tk 229 crore will go towards development activities.

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The operating budget marks a significant increase from the current allocation of Tk 793 crore, which was later revised to Tk 716 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.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, during a recent visit to Japan, said the next national election will be held between December and June 2026. As such, the 12th parliamentary election is expected to be conducted during the 2025–26 fiscal year.

Earlier, the EC had requested approximately Tk 2,800 crore to conduct 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 Tk 2,276 crore, while Tk 700 crore was allocated for the 11th general election held on December 30, 2018.