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BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, elected from Dhaka-17 in the parliamentary polls, has reported an election expenditure of Tk 2.3 million.
The details of his expenditure, submitted to the returning officer, were made public on Monday.
According to his submitted return, spending covered:
- Campaigning: Tk 550,000
- Transportation: Tk 110,000
- Public meetings: Tk 180,000
- Election camp: Tk 360,000
- Agents and staff: Tk 984,000
- Accommodation and administration: Tk 66,000
- Social media promotion: Tk 50,000
The total voter count in Dhaka-17 was 333,777, allowing a spending ceiling of Tk 10 per voter, amounting to more than Tk 3.3 million.
The election was held on Feb 12, with the gazette of winners published the next day for 297 constituencies.
The BNP formed the government following an absolute majority, with Tarique assuming the prime ministership.
Election law requires candidates to submit detailed spending returns to the returning officer within 30 days of gazette publication, with a copy sent via registered post to the Election Commission Secretariat.
Non-compliance or violation carries fines and two–seven years of rigorous imprisonment. Tarique’s return was submitted on Mar 11 by his election agent.
Dhaka Metropolitan Election Commission Joint Secretary (Election Management-2) Md Moin Uddin Khan said on Monday, “Candidates’ spending statements are arriving by post.
“Field officers will provide data in the prescribed format; it will take some time to compile. Failure to submit returns will be addressed per the RPO.”
Parties must submit their total expenditure within 90 days of the gazette.
According to EC Deputy Secretary (Election Management-2) Mohammad Monir Hossain, letters have been sent to all participating parties reminding them of this deadline.
As many as 1,755 candidates from 50 parties contested in this election.
The BNP fielded 291 candidates, Islami Andolan Bangladesh 258, Jamaat-e-Islami 224, Jatiya Party 200, Gono Odhikar Parishad 94, and NCP 32.
Election law sets spending limits per party based on candidate numbers: over 200 candidates, Tk 45 million; 100–200 candidates, Tk 30 million; 50–100 candidates, Tk 15 million; fewer than 50, Tk 7.5 million.