Dhaka, Nov 24 (V7N)- Financial Advisor Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has stated that it is logical and practical to hold the upcoming national election and the referendum on the same day, adding that conducting them separately would create significant challenges.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of the Advisory Council Committee on Procurement at the Secretariat on Monday (November 24).

Dr. Salehuddin said that although holding both the election and the referendum together will increase expenditures, the necessary allocation will be made based on the needs outlined by the Election Commission once the schedule is formally announced. He also mentioned that body cameras will be provided in sensitive polling centers, with funding coming from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Regarding funding preparations, he said,

 “There is no need to worry about the budget. However, costs will rise due to the referendum and the inclusion of voting arrangements for expatriates.”

He reiterated that organizing the election and referendum on two different days would be very difficult, noting that many countries around the world successfully conduct both on the same day.

In addition, the financial advisor confirmed that the government has decided to import 50,000 metric tons of non-basmati rice from India to stabilize the food supply.

END/SMA/AJ