The biennial election (2015-17) to the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) executive body will be held today (Saturday). Voting will start at 9:00 am and will continue until 5:00 pm.
The election for the posts of president and two vice-presidents will be held on May 25.
Three panels - Shadhinata Baboshayee Parishad (SBP) led by incumbent first vice-president of FBCCI Monowara Hakim Ali, Baboshayee Oikya Parishad (BOP) led by Syed Moazzam Hossain and Unnayan Parishad (UP) led by Abdul Matlub Ahmed - are contesting the apex trade body's election. Jakia Sultana Mithila, an independent candidate, is also in the race.
There are a total of 2,193 voters. Of them, 430 are from 78 chambers while 1,763 are from 355 associations.
The FBCCI board will be formed with 52 directors, of which 32 directors will be elected directly. The remaining 20 directors will be nominated from the country's different chambers and associations.
On May 14 the FBCCI election board chairman warned the candidates against violating the electoral code of conduct. If any candidate or voter violates the code of conduct, the board will take action.
"The candidates contesting the FBCCI election for the term of 2015-17 must follow the code of conduct. Otherwise actions will be taken against them," said Prof Md Ali Ashraf MP.
"I hope the candidates and the voters will abide by the electoral code of conduct. In case of any violation actions will be taken against them."
"We will hold a fair election. If any candidate violates the code of conduct, his/her candidacy will be cancelled and s/he will be fined," he added.
Syed Moazzam Hossain, the BOP panel head, said: "We want change. We want reform. We want to see honest, dedicated and experienced people in FBCCI, who will serve the business people's interest."
"If we (BOP panel members) are elected, we will set up different cells, including SMEs (small and medium enterprises), at FBCCI," he mentioned.
Abdul Matlub Ahmad, head of UP panel and chairman of Nitol-Niloy Group, said: "I call upon you (voters) please elect the candidates of Unnayan Parishad for modernisation of FBCCI."
SBP panel pledged to work for implementing Vision 2021 of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, boosting economic growth, expanding trade and business, increasing local and foreign investments, creating more jobs, and involving women in the country's mainstream economic development.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
