BAFFA members protest appointment of administrator, call for immediate election

General members of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA) have expressed their strong opposition to the Ministry of Commerce’s decision to dissolve BAFFA’s democratically elected Board of Directors (BOD) and appoint an administrator.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the BAFFA members said this decision has severely harmed the functioning of the organisation which represents 1,188 members, the future of the freight forwarding industry, and the country’s import-export sector, according to a media release.

They said the move came at a critical time when urgent and effective action is required on several pressing challenges, such as the imposition of 1.50 per cent Advance Income Tax (AIT) on gross invoices and 1 per cent turnover tax in the budget, increased tariffs at Chattogram Port, increased BICDA handling charges, and complexities surrounding IGM/EGM procedures.

The BAFFA members alleged that the administrator, who lacks professional expertise in freight forwarding, was tasked with completing the next election within 120 days; 70 days have already passed without any election schedule being announced.

Instead, after taking office, the administrator went on extended leave abroad.

Furthermore, the administrator is making decisions that fall outside his jurisdiction, they alleged.

“We firmly believe that this unwarranted appointment of an administrator is anti-democratic and tantamount to depriving BAFFA members of their voting rights.”

The members urged the government to remove the current administrator without delay and reinstate the democratically elected Board of Directors so that the organisation can once again function effectively in the interest of the organisation, the industry, and its members.

They warned that if their demand is not met within the next seven working days, the general members will be compelled to stage written protests at both national and international levels, observe work stoppages, and undertake other necessary large-scale programmes.

“We strongly believe that the Ministry of Commerce will take swift and effective measures to uphold democratic values, the rule of law, and the dignity of trade organisations in Bangladesh.”

The statement was read by Mr. Noor Uddin from NAFA Freight, while Mr. Nur Alam from Alfa Logistics moderated the programme on behalf of the general members of the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association (BAFFA).