The biennial election of the Bangladesh Packaging and Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPAMEA) for the 2026-2028 term has been suspended amid legal disputes, casting uncertainty over the electoral process.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, hearings on election-related complaints were rescheduled several times. A hearing initially fixed for July 23 was deferred to July 27. On July 26, the ministry first postponed the hearing due to unavoidable circumstances, but later the same day withdrew the order and directed that the hearing be held at 11:30 am on July 27 under the chairmanship of the Director General of Trade Organisations.
People familiar with the matter said multiple complaints and legal challenges have effectively stalled the election process. No revised election schedule has been announced, with the next course of action depending on the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings.
The election was scheduled to be held on August 1. However, voting was required for only six of the association’s 27 board positions after most candidates had already been elected unopposed.
A total of 29 candidates submitted nominations for the 27-member board, comprising one president, six vice-presidents and 20 directors. Following the withdrawal of nominations, six vice-presidents and 15 directors from the Oikko Parishad panel were elected unopposed, leaving contests only for the presidency and five director posts representing the Chattogram region.
According to the Election Board’s final list of candidates, Md Shahriar, managing director of Ajdi Trims Ltd and leader of the Oikko Parishad panel, was set to contest the presidency against independent candidate Jamil Ahmed, managing director of Britannia Label BD Ltd.
Earlier, Jamil Ahmed filed a complaint with the Trade Organisations Wing of the Ministry of Commerce, alleging that the incumbent president and second vice-president, who are seeking re-election to the same posts, had already served on the board for three consecutive terms.
In his complaint, Ahmed alleged that the election board and election office constituted by the incumbent board could not ensure a “free and impartial election.”
He also accused the current board of operating “in violation of the Trade Organisations Act, the Trade Organisations Rules and the association’s constitution.”
Ahmed urged the ministry to ensure that the election is conducted in accordance with the Trade Organisations Act and Rules. He also called for verifying the eligibility of all candidates and removing any ineligible contestants from the final list before the election is held.
Meanwhile, the Oikko Parishad panel expressed deep concern over the suspension, alleging an attempt to obstruct the democratic electoral process.
“Our country’s business community is passing through a difficult period. At such a time, we are participating in the BPAMEA election through a democratic process. Unfortunately, a vested quarter, continuing its old practices, is once again trying to derail the election,” Md Shahriar, panel leader of Oikko Parishad and managing director of Ajdi Trims Ltd, said in a statement.
He alleged that none of the candidates named in the complaints had been invited to the Ministry of Commerce hearing or given an opportunity to present their defence.
“It is unfortunate that the candidates against whom complaints were filed were neither called to the hearing nor allowed to defend themselves,” he said.
Referring to the ministry’s decision, Shahriar said the complainant had been advised to take the matter to the FBCCI Arbitration Tribunal after the election was suspended.
“However, those against whom the allegations were made were not made parties to the proceedings, nor were their views sought. We believe this is contrary to the principles of natural justice and has undermined our legitimate rights. We are consulting our legal counsel and will take the next course of action in accordance with the law,” he added.
He also urged all stakeholders to refrain from obstructing the election, saying a free, fair, impartial and participatory poll is essential to maintaining the unity, stability and confidence of BPAMEA members.
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