Dhaka, April 9 -- What was once touted as a technological leap toward modernising Bangladesh's electoral process has now turned into a costly liability, as around 150,000 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) - procured at a staggering Tk 3,825.34 crore - have largely fallen out of use, leaving the Election Commission grappling with a growing financial and administrative burden.

Officials and experts say only a small fraction of the machines remains functional, while the rest have slipped into disrepair, raising serious questions about planning, procurement and the overall use of public funds.

The EVM project has also been hit by allegations of massive corruption and irregularities.

Experts have questioned the quality of the machines, exce...