Originally posted in The Daily Star on 26 February 2026.
The Election Commission (EC) has directed all candidates who contested the 13th national parliamentary election to submit their election expenditure statements to returning officers by March 15.
The commission instructed district election officials to forward these reports to the EC headquarters by March 25, according to a letter signed by ASM Iqbal Hasan, senior assistant secretary of the EC, issued yesterday.
The letter was sent yesterday to all returning officers across the country.
According to the Representation of the People Order, 1972, Article 44(g), every contesting candidate must file a return of election expenses with the returning officer within 30 days of the gazette notification of elected members.
The gazette listing the names and addresses of elected lawmakers from the February 12 polls was published on February 13.
The EC letter further stated that officials must ensure compliance with Circular-18, issued for the 13th parliamentary election, to verify that all candidates submit their expenditure statements. It also instructed that details of the returns filed with returning officers be sent to the commission by the March 25 deadline.
A total of 2,028 candidates contested in the 13th national parliamentary election that was held on Feb 12 this year.
EC TO PUBLISH REPORT ON FOREIGN OBSERVERS
Meanwhile, the EC is preparing a comprehensive report on the activities of foreign observers who monitored the 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum held on February 12.
A 33-member committee has been formed to compile the documentation, EC Director of Public Relations Ruhul Amin Mollik told reporters yesterday afternoon.
According to the EC PRO, 57 foreign observers joined the election at the commission’s invitation. Their reception, accommodation, visits to polling centres, and other activities will be documented with photographs and records to create a permanent archive.
The final report will be preserved in book form for future reference.
