Allocation of 140 Crore in Short Time: Risk of Corruption under the Name of Referendum?
For campaign activities related to the referendum to be held alongside the upcoming Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election, an allocation of BDT 138.57 crore has been given to six ministries Culture, Religious Affairs, Information, Local Government, Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs. The Election Commission has stated that the funds have already been released by the Ministry of Finance. The Finance Division has allocated this money primarily for referendum campaigning. Questions have arisen as to how, through which programs, and in what manner the ministries will be able to spend such a large amount of money just 16 days before the election.
Of the allocated funds, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has received 46 cr, the Ministry of Information 4.71 cr, the Ministry of Religious Affairs 7 cr, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) 72 cr, the Ministry of Social Welfare 4.52 cr, and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs 4.34 cr.
Four ministries have already received their allocations. The Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will receive the funds after obtaining approval from the ministry. In addition, the Election Commission’s own public relations wing is spending 0.4 cr on referendum campaigning.
It has been learned that in the referendum to be held alongside the national parliamentary election, these six ministries will not be able to work directly in favor of any party, alliance, or candidate. The Election Commission has also prohibited government employees from participating in the election on behalf of any party or alliance. However, they will be able to work to create public awareness to encourage participation in the referendum. The ministries will conduct small meetings, distribute leaflets, promote the spirit of the 24 movement and the benefits of constitutional change, inform citizens about the rules of voting in the referendum, broadcast short dramas and scripts in favor of the referendum on radio and television, and encourage the public to fulfill their civic duty by exercising their voting rights.
The Election Commission has stated that it is bearing the costs of necessary ballot papers, personnel, transportation, envelopes, and other election materials required for the referendum. Some publicity activities and procurements are being carried out directly by the Commission. In addition, following no-objection certificates from the Ministry of Finance, LGED (for CCTV cameras), and the Ministries of Culture, Religious Affairs, Information, Social Welfare, and Women and Children Affairs have taken funds from their allocations for campaigning in favor of the referendum. How the campaign will be conducted and who will carry it out will be decided by the ministries themselves.
Election Commission Additional Secretary K. M. Ali Newaz said that the Finance Division allocated the funds for referendum campaigning. The Finance Division allocated funds to the ministries, and the Election Commission transferred the money following instructions from the Ministry of Finance. The ministries will submit their expenditure accounts to the Finance Division. When asked whether the ministries received additional allocations, he said that the ministries requested funds from the Finance Division, which allocated money to them on the occasion of the election, and the Commission disbursed the funds accordingly.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division has instructed all ministries to take immediate measures to enforce the Election Commission’s directive barring government officials and employees from campaigning for either a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote in the upcoming referendum. The Election Commission has also stated that participation in campaigning for either a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote in the referendum is a punishable offense. Government officials and employees will not be allowed to take part in any campaign in favor of a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote. A special directive in this regard was issued by the Election Commission Secretariat on Thursday, January 29.
In this regard, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid told journalists that the Election Commission’s directives would be implemented. The Commission’s instructions regarding campaigning for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in the referendum would be communicated to government officials and employees at all levels.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Ehsanul Haque stated that previously, due to the absence of Election Commission regulations, government officials and employees had campaigned in favor of the ‘Yes’ vote. However, now that the Election Commission’s restrictions are in force, government officials and employees will not participate in campaigning for either a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote in the referendum.
It has been learned that the Ministry of Social Welfare will not engage in any direct political campaigning. Instead, it will indirectly shape public opinion by promoting existing social safety net programs and development activities. The ministry will inform beneficiaries that ongoing social security programs were expanded during the tenure of the current government.
In this context, Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Sharmeen S. Murshid, said that structural changes are essential for genuine reform. Ensuring the protection of women at all levels is the primary responsibility of ministry officials.
She stated that possible methods of campaigning by the Ministry of Social Welfare in the referendum include meetings with beneficiaries, and holding local awareness meetings with recipients of old-age, widow, and disability allowances. In addition, the achievements of the social security sector will be highlighted on the ministry’s website and social media platforms. Various government benefits such as allowances, training, and loans will be promoted at the local level, and the scope of new allowances or assistance will be expanded before the election, which will indirectly convey a positive message.
Regarding the responsibilities of the Ministry of Information in campaigning for the referendum during the election, the ministry’s secretary Mahbuba Farzana said that an information cell would be formed ahead of the election. Discussions and exchanges of views have already been held with public relations officers of various ministries at the Secretariat. Assistance from public relations officers is crucial for holding a meaningful election. They must work with creativity, professionalism, and a sense of responsibility. In the age of artificial intelligence, misinformation and rumors spread very quickly through digital media, and efforts must be made to prevent this.
An Additional Secretary of the Local Government Division, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that in the upcoming election, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives will primarily assist local government institutions—especially Union Parishads, municipalities, and city corporations—in organizing elections, enacting laws, updating voter lists, and providing necessary administrative and technical support to the Election Commission. At the same time, it will assist in announcing the election schedule and ensuring compliance with the electoral code of conduct.
Abul Fayek Md. Alauddin Khan of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs said that one of the ministry’s key responsibilities in campaigning for the upcoming national election and referendum is to motivate voters through cultural programs and awareness activities. This includes producing special songs, increasing voter awareness, and conducting cultural activities to maintain a fair and festive environment during the election.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh, Iftekharuzzaman, has advised that the allocated funds for the referendum in the upcoming national parliamentary election should be spent in compliance with government rules and regulations. He said that creating awareness in favor of the referendum is the responsibility of the government. Even though time is limited, the key issue now is how transparently this money is spent. Ensuring that the expenditure does not become questionable in any way is crucial; otherwise, allegations of corruption may arise.
Allocating such a large amount of money suddenly within such a short time is essentially meant to facilitate corruption.
