MOHIUDDIN ALAMGIR

Elections in Bangladesh are an expensive affair, with candidates spending between Tk 5-10 crore to secure nominations and for their campaigns, according to a report by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

The situation has worsened in recent years -- particularly during the past four Awami League-led governments from 2009 to 2024 -- where the influence of financial resources in politics has increased dramatically, it said.

The rising costs of electioneering have created barriers for many aspiring politicians, particularly those from, less affluent backgrounds and marginalised communities, including women and youth, said the report titled “The cost of politics in Bangladesh”.

The report was prepared by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy and open societies around the world.

The research for the report was done between July and December last year. As many as 25 in-depth key informant interviews were taken with former members of parliament, election officials and other stakeholders.

Two focused group discussions were held. Researchers also gathered data from secondary sources from government publications, prominent international organisations and academic literature that delves into the political economy of Bangladesh.

To put themselves in contention for nomination, candidates often

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