No hesitation on polls budget allocations: Adviser Salehuddin

Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has assured that there will be no hesitation in allocating funds for the upcoming national elections, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensure the polls are adequately financed.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at the Secretariat following a meeting of Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase, Dr. Salehuddin said, “There will be no austerity when it comes to allocating funds for the national elections. The government is fully prepared to provide what is needed.”

Responding to questions about the meeting, the finance adviser highlighted several key approvals, including decisions related to container handling at the Chittagong Port, the purchase of DAP and urea fertilizers, and measures concerning LNG supplies that could bolster fertilizer production. The committee also approved a project to renovate 30 schools in Rangpur.

Earlier at the briefing, Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain addressed the recent government decision declaring NBR services as essential. “The gazette you’ve seen is final—there were none before and none will come after. I issue gazettes, but I’m not a decision-maker; the policymakers made the decision, and I formalized it,” he explained.

Commenting on port operations during the recent NBR movement, Sakhawat Hossain added, “It was never completely shut down. Goods that entered the port are now being cleared. The disruption wasn’t as damaging as feared.”

The remarks come as Bangladesh prepares for its next general election, expected within months, with authorities stressing both logistical and financial readiness to conduct a smooth and credible vote.