FBCCI moves to amend rules to bar corrupt from polls race

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Naim-Ul-Karim
The apex trade body of the country has convened an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on June 28 to discuss matters relating to changes to its organisational rules in order to prevent loan defaulters or convicts from contesting its election.
"We have fixed the date of EGM, on a 21-day notice, which is needed prior to calling such an emergency meeting, to bring amendment to the rules as per government directive," Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) president Mir Nasir Hossain told the FE Friday.
The interim government has asked the FBCCI to amend its rules to bar loan defaulters and criminals from participating in its election.
In a directive the Commerce Ministry asked the FBCCI to take necessary measures to amend the Rules-8 (1) (B) of The Trade Organisations Ordinance 1961 'within 15 days' after issuance of the ministry letter on June 04.
If FBCCI fails to comply with the directive within the timeframe, the government can issue an Amendment Order through gazette notification under the Rule 8(2), said the commerce ministry in its letter.
When asked about the timeframe, the FBCCI president said: " Actually, we have been directed to take move for amendment within the 15 days from the date of receiving the directive of the government."
After receiving the government directive on June 4, he said the FBCCI held a meeting of its board of directors on June 6 to call the EGM.
"We have already taken initiative for serving notices to the designated members of different chambers and associations for attending the EGM," he said, adding that about 1,200 such designated members are expected to attend the EGM.
As per the directive, any loan or tax defaulters, persons convicted in criminal or corruption cases and anyone showing any moral turpitude will not be eligible to participate in FBCCI election, until five years are passed after their release.
Annisul Huq, former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said it seems there are confusions as far as some parts of the directive are concerned.
These need to be clarified or amended at the earliest, as there is no scope of litigation, he added while talking to the FE.
He said, "We are waiting for incorporation of this rule by the apex trade body in line with the government steps announced for betterment of the FBCCI, particularly the entire business community."
Answering a question, he said the upcoming election of the apex trade body, scheduled to be held in August, will be in line with the government directive.