"The Cost of Politics in Bangladesh" provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the financial dynamics governing the country’s political landscape. Published by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), this research investigates the increasing financial barriers that aspiring and current political actors face. Md. Iqramul Haque, from the Department of Government and Politics at AUB, contributed to this significant study which meticulously maps out campaign expenditures, the role of money in party nominations, and the broader socio-economic implications of high-cost politics on democratic representation. The study highlights how the rising price of political participation often excludes meritorious but less affluent individuals, thereby reshaping the nature of governance and accountability. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments, the report offers crucial insights into the systemic challenges within the electoral process and advocates for reforms to make politics more inclusive and transparent. This work stands as a pivotal resource for researchers, policy analysts, and civil society organizations dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions and reducing the influence of wealth in the political arena of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Cost of Politics, Bangladesh, Democracy, Election Financing, Governance, Political Reforms, WFD.