No need to worry about the budget for the JS election: Dr Salehuddin

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Finance Adviser, stated on Monday that there is no need to worry about the budget for the upcoming general election because it can be arranged if the Bangladesh Election Commission requires it soon.

Even after the election schedule has been announced, any necessary emergency expenditures may be accommodated. “The Finance Ministry does not have anything to be concerned about. “If the Election Commission requires something immediately, it can be arranged,” he stated.

The finance adviser was replying to reporters’ questions after chairing a meeting of the Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchases at the Bangladesh Secretariat’s Cabinet Division Conference Room on Monday.

He intimated that the government will have to alter the election budget since having the national election and referendum on the same day could incur additional costs, particularly in terms of security and manpower deployment.

“When we first received their plan, there was no referendum. Naturally, having both on the same day will incur additional expenses. You will require extra people, security, and logistics,” he stated.

According to the finance consultant, the Election Commission initially did not include the referendum in its expenditure projection.

He also said that the continued enrolling of Bangladeshi expatriate voters at embassies abroad could result in increased costs. “Foreign missions are preparing. Officers are gathering information, and there will be overtime fees involved. The Foreign Ministry may submit a funding request. “We will offer assistance,” he stated.

When asked about the Chief Election Commissioner’s recent statement that organising a referendum alongside a national election would be a huge difficulty for the Commission, Dr Salehuddin claimed the matter fell outside of his jurisdiction. He did, however, point out that conducting the two votes on the same day is more practicable.

“This is a government decision. Doing it on two distinct days would necessitate a full mobilisation of officers, instructors, bank officials, and everyone else. It’s not simple. Many nations have referendums and national elections on the same day. Logistically, keeping both together is preferable,” he stated.

On a second query about the use of body cameras by law enforcement during the election, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged that the government has reached a policy decision, and procurement will be handled by the appropriate security agencies.

“The purchasing committee has made a decision. We have directed the relevant agencies to purchase the equipment in a transparent manner utilising their allocated funds,” he said.

He refused to say how many body cams there might be. “It is not my obligation to choose the number. This is administered by the Home Ministry and its agencies. The Election Commission will only define the vulnerable areas where cameras are required. Police, BGB, RAB, and other security organisations will obtain and use them. There is nothing to be concerned about, he added.

In response to media rumours that roughly 40,000 cameras may be acquired, he stated, “I will not comment on numbers. We will do what is necessary and strive to keep costs under control.”

The adviser also stated that the Finance Division recently cancelled a proposal to purchase 100 new automobiles to replace outgoing ministers.

“Sometimes the wrong message is sent. The vehicles were replacements rather than extra ones. Nonetheless, we cancelled the proposal because it was unnecessary at the time,” he explained.

According to the adviser, internal adjustments have already begun at the Finance Division. “We are now reviewing the budget. We have set all ministries a deadline to submit their final estimates since the national budget will be revised in December and the election budget will be available for the next administration by January. “Everything is still open,” he continued.