Holding referendum, nat'l polls on the same day more practical: Finance adviser

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has said that there is nothing to worry about the budget for holding the upcoming general election, as it can be arranged if the Bangladesh Election Commission needs something urgently.

Even after the announcement of the election schedule, any essential emergency expenditure may still be accommodated. "There is nothing for the Finance Ministry to worry about. If the Election Commission needs something urgently, that can be arranged," he said.

The finance adviser was responding to the queries of reporters after chairing a meeting on the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

He hinted that the government would have to revise the election budget as holding the national election and the referendum on the same day could increase expenses, particularly in security and manpower deployment.

"When we first received their proposal, the referendum was not there. Naturally, holding both on the same day will involve additional costs. You will need more manpower, more security, more logistics," he said.

The finance adviser said the Election Commission did not initially include the referendum in its expenditure projection.

He mentioned that additional expenditure may also arise from the ongoing enrolment of Bangladeshi expatriate voters at embassies abroad. "Foreign missions are doing preparatory work. Officers are collecting information, and overtime costs will be involved. The Foreign Ministry may request funds. We will provide support," he said.

Asked about the Chief Election Commissioner's recent comment that holding a referendum alongside a national election will be a major challenge for the Commission, Dr Salehuddin said the matter lies outside his jurisdiction. However, he stressed that holding the two votes on the same day is more practical.

"This is a decision from the government. Doing it on two different days would require the entire mobilization twice, returning officers, teachers, bank officials and everyone. It's not easy. Many countries conduct referendums and national polls on the same day. Logistically, holding both together is better," he said.

On a separate question regarding the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies during the election, Dr Salehuddin confirmed that the government has made a policy decision, and procurement would proceed under the respective security agencies.

"The purchase committee has made a decision. We have instructed the relevant agencies to procure the equipment using their allocated budget in a transparent manner," he said.

He declined to disclose the potential quantity of body cameras. "It is not my responsibility to decide the number. This is under the Home Ministry and its agencies. The Election Commission will only specify the sensitive locations where cameras are required. The police, BGB, RAB and other security agencies will procure and use them. There is nothing to worry about," he added.

Responding to media speculation that around 40,000 cameras may be purchased, he said, "I will not comment on numbers. What is necessary will be done, and we will try to keep expenses reasonable."

The adviser also pointed out that the Finance Division has recently cancelled a proposal for purchasing 100 new vehicles intended as replacements for outgoing ministers.

"Sometimes wrong messages go out. The vehicles were replacement units, not additional ones. Still, we cancelled the plan because it is not necessary at this moment," he said.

The adviser also said that the Finance Division has already begun internal revisions. "We are reviewing the budget. We have given all ministries a deadline to submit their final estimates, because in December, we will revise the national budget, and by January, we will keep the election budget ready for the next government. Everything remains open," he added.