Commerce minister expresses govt’s intention to hold FBCCI elections

The government is willing to hold the FBCCI elections within the shortest possible time, although legal challenges stemming from writ petitions filed by some business groups remain a major hurdle.

Commerce, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir expressed the government’s intention to hold the elections at an emergency meeting with leading business leaders at his office at the Secretariat on Tuesday evening.

Sources at the meeting said there was a consensus on two key issues — holding the FBCCI election and carrying out necessary reforms.

Participants also stressed the need for consultations involving the Ministry of Commerce, the law ministry and the attorney general to resolve the existing legal complications.

Business leaders, however, advised the government to appoint a business leader as administrator to oversee the election process.

Leading business figures attending the meeting included International Chamber of Commerce Bangladesh President Md Mahbubur Rahman, Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) President Syed Nasim Manzur, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Showkat Aziz Russell, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) President Kamran T. Rahman, LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) President Mohammed Amirul Haque, and Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Abdul Muktadir.

Presidents of the Kushtia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Barishal Chamber of Commerce and Industry also attended the meeting.

FBCCI Administrator and Commerce Secretary (current charge), Abdur Rahim Khan, was also present.

Speaking to The Financial Express after the meeting, BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell described the government’s initiative as a positive move.

 “The government is willing to hold the federation election within the shortest possible time. However, it will not be possible unless the pending writ petitions are resolved,” he said.

 “We request the minister to consult the law minister and the attorney general to find a way out.”

Mr Russell said leading business leaders had agreed to continue the reform initiatives alongside preparations for the election.

Business leaders also requested the minister to appoint a business leader as administrator, noting that holding the election could take at least nine months after the legal issues are resolved.

 “If the government does not take that step, the election may not be possible for another nine years,” he said.

MCCI President Kamran T. Rahman said there was no alternative to resolving the writ petition issues before holding the election.

LOAB President Mohammed Amirul Haque said the minister was highly positive about the election process.

 “We requested the minister to simplify the legal interpretation,” he said.

 “We want to elect someone who can truly represent the business community, as the federation president’s post is a prestigious position,” he added.

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