Anti-Discrimination Reform Council demands chamber and association polls before FBCCI election

The Anti-Discrimination Reform Council, known as Boishamma Birodhi Sanskar Parishad, on Monday called for significant reforms within the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) to address what they describe as long-standing inefficiencies, political influence, and the neglect of small and medium enterprises.

The council demanded that all affiliated associations and chambers complete their elections prior to FBCCI’s, to ensure the election of business representatives free from political influence.

At a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha on Monday, the council presented a comprehensive set of eight reform proposals aimed at overhauling the country’s apex business organisation and its affiliated bodies.

Council coordinators Abul Kashem Haider, Zakir Hossain Nayan, Giasuddin Chowdhury Khokon, and Md Zakir Hossain, among others, were present at the press conference.

According to the council, for the past 15 years, the FBCCI has largely failed to act in the best interests of the business community, instead operating under political agendas that serve personal gains and the interests of large corporate businesses.

As a result, they argue, the FBCCI has neglected to address the ever-increasing market prices, allowing unchecked syndicates to artificially inflate the cost of essential goods.

“Small and medium traders, who form a critical part of the country’s economy, have been marginalised,” said Abul Kashem Haider, reading from a prepared statement.

The council further alleged that FBCCI’s leadership has aligned itself with one-party, unelected governments, transforming the organisation into a tool for political appeasement rather than a body representing business interests.

Dissatisfaction within the organisation reached a peak in August 2024, when FBCCI General Assembly members formally appealed to the Ministry of Commerce for the dissolution of the FBCCI board.

Following this, on September 11, 2024, the government dissolved the board of directors and appointed an administrator, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis.

This dissolution followed public protests by General Assembly members who staged a sit-in outside the FBCCI building, demanding immediate reforms.

During a subsequent meeting of the FBCCI General Council on September 21, members expressed widespread concerns about institutional mismanagement within the organisation.

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