EC returns Tk 4 Billion as it fails to execute 3 projects
EC Bhaban at Agargaon in the capital. Photo: Collected.
The Election Commission (EC) is set to return nearly Tk 4 billion after failing to spend funds allocated for three ongoing development projects, including initiatives aimed at enabling overseas voting and expanding the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in the electoral process.
According to EC sources, the Development and Implementation of an Overseas Voting System project was scheduled to run from August 2025 to June 2027. However, as the project remains incomplete, Tk 106.95 million will be returned.
The Identification System for Enhancing Access to Services (Second Phase) project, which was scheduled from December 2020 to November 2026, will return Tk 3.7809 billion in unspent funds.
Meanwhile, the Enhancing the Capacity of the Election Commission Secretariat in the Use of ICT in the Electoral Process project, which runs from November 2023 to January 2027, will return Tk 3.84 million.
Dr. Shah Mohammad Helal Uddin, Additional Secretary of the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission and the official overseeing these projects, told Agamir Shomoy, "It is not our responsibility at this stage to determine why they failed to spend the funds. When they submit a revised project proposal to the Planning Commission, we will seek an explanation."
The Election Commission has also sent several letters to the Chief Accounts and Finance Officer of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) regarding the unspent funds. In a letter dated June 30, the EC Secretariat said that, in accordance with the Development Project Fund Release and Utilization Guidelines-2018, it had prepared and submitted the annual reconciliation report to facilitate the surrender of unspent funds allocated for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Former Planning Secretary Mamun-Al-Rashid told Agamir Somoy that the issue should not be treated as routine.
"Funds allocated under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) must be spent on time and in accordance with the rules. That is the standard procedure. If this does not happen, the implementing agency must be held accountable," he said.
He added, "The reasons behind the Election Commission's failure to spend the allocated funds should be investigated, and appropriate action should be taken. Otherwise, similar practices will continue in other development projects. This cannot be allowed to go on indefinitely."
