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ELECTION EXPENSES Affidavits say Tk 396cr, but is that the real cost? Experts question credibility of disclosures, cite clash with ground reality

MOHIUDDIN ALAMGIR

All 1,981 candidates contesting the upcoming February 12 polls have declared their election expenditures in their affidavits, bringing the combined total to a little under Tk 400 crore.

Experts, however, say the figure is far from realistic and does not reflect the true costs of poll campaigns.

According to Transparency International Bangladesh’s (TIB) “Know Your Candidate” portal, BNP candidates plan to laregly meet their expenses from personal funds, 56 percent coming from their own pockets.

In contrast, Jamaat-e-Islami reported that 58 percent of its campaign budget will be financed through grants and donations, including party funds. The National Citizen Party stated that 62 percent of its election spending will rely on grants and donations.

Across all parties, the total expenditure amounts to Tk 396 crore.

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