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Bangladesh's Election Commission (EC) has mandated that all 59 registered political parties submit their annual audit reports detailing income and expenditure by July 31. This requirement, stipulated under the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, ensures transparency in political party finances.

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All 59 parties must submit their accounts.

Election management officials confirmed the directive, emphasizing that the deadline is firm. However, acknowledging that July 31 falls on a Friday this year, the EC has extended the filing date to the next working day, August 2. Senior assistant secretary Mohammad Delwar Hossain stated that letters have been dispatched to all parties, reminding them of their legal obligation.

Despite the clear directive, a total of 50 political parties participated in the 13th national parliamentary election, and seven of them have yet to submit their election expense reports. The EC has not yet published these reports online, a delay that Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Masud acknowledged. He assured that instructions would be given to upload the information, stating, "People have the right to know what political parties are doing."

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Instructions will be given to upload them. People have the right to know what political parties are doing. We will comply with the law.

Regarding the seven parties delinquent in filing their election expenditure accounts, Masud confirmed that show-cause notices have been issued. He indicated that the EC would proceed according to the law if the parties continue to fail in their submission. The commission aims to uphold transparency and accountability within the political landscape.

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We have issued show-cause notices to them and asked them to submit the accounts. If they still fail to do so, we will proceed in accordance with the law.