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The Sammilita Babosayee Parishad has called for significant reforms within the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), urging the abolition of the current quota and nomination systems in favour of direct elections for all leadership positions.
The group emphasized that these reforms should precede any elections, along with a demand that FBCCI directors should not serve more than two consecutive terms.
These demands were voiced at a meeting organized by the Sammilita Babosayee Parishad on Saturday (September 28) at Fazilatunnesa Convention Hall of Mintu Road. The gathering was attended by prominent business leaders, including Convener of the group Mir Nizam Uddin, Joint Convener Nizam Uddin Rajesh, former BGMEA President Fazlul Haque, former FBCCI Directors Hafiz Haji Mohammad Enayetullah, Haji Mohammad Abul Hossain, and others.
Speaking at the event, Rajesh stressed the FBCCI should not serve as the centerpiece of any celebration but rather the lifeblood of all business organizations. “
“We demand reforms first, followed by elections, and an end to the practice of nomination."
He also advocated for involving the SME sector more actively in FBCCI activities.
Rajesh added, "We want a strong and accountable FBCCI, one that listens to the concerns of everyday business people, not just the big players."
Business leaders echoed the sentiment for change, arguing that after serving two consecutive terms, no director should be allowed to run again for at least a year.
They argued that this would foster the emergence of new leadership and bring more democratic practices to the FBCCI.
Former FBCCI Director Anwar Hossain stated, "The leadership should be elected directly by the members, not chosen to serve narrow interests. The organization has suffered from corrupt politics and bureaucratic interference for too long."
He called for an end to unelected leadership and advocated for more transparent governance.
Other speakers, including former Director Jalal Uddin, highlighted the economic impact of these practices, pointing out that despite representing 45 million businessmen, the FBCCI has been dominated by a small group of around 500 to 700 individuals over the last 15 years.
"This group has siphoned off millions of taka, which must be returned for the benefit of all traders," Uddin argued.
Mehdi Ali, another former director, criticized the misuse of funds under the guise of foreign travel, calling for stricter oversight of FBCCI’s financial activities.
Meanwhile, Electric Association President Shahadat Hossain Bhuiyan expressed concern that some FBCCI presidents were appointed by political leaders rather than through an election process.
"We don't want FBCCI to remain complicit in the looting of the country's wealth," he said.
Toab President Rafiuzzaman said, "No more handpicked or auto-selected leaders. We need a truly representative FBCCI, with its leadership elected by the General Body members. The time for change is now."
The reform proposals discussed at the meeting included direct elections for all FBCCI posts, including the president, senior vice-president, and vice-presidents, along with the elimination of the nomination and sector-based electoral systems. Additionally, the number of directors would be reduced, and a new rule would limit directors to serving two consecutive terms.