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BGMEA panels reach consensus, Shahidul tipped for top post

FE Report | Wednesday, 27 December 2017



The two panels of the apparel makers - Sommilito Parishad and Forum - have reached a consensus on 'selection' of their office-bearers for the next term, as the schedule for electing directors of the garment makers' association is announced.
As per the schedule, announced by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) election board on December 18, the election for the posts of its 35 directors will be held on March 7, 2018.
The final voter list of BGMEA will be published by January 27. The last date for submitting nomination of candidature is January 30.
"We have come to an agreement that the board of directors of the BGMEA will be formed without a conventional election to tackle leadership crisis," said former BGMEA president Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez).
Mr Parvez, also a leader of Forum, told the FE that many good candidates are not willing to contest in the election, which might create a void in the leadership of the association of export-oriented garment industry.
"So, to avoid that situation, the ex-BGMEA presidents' forum made a decision four years ago that each panel will represent BGMEA by turn."
Mr Parvez further said they are considering Rupa Sweaters Ltd managing director Shahidul Islam for the top post of BGMEA.
Talking to the FE, Mr Shahidul Islam said according to the consensus, Forum will get the president and three vice-president posts for the next session, while the rest will come from Parishad.
Following the agreement, Parishad candidates have been serving the association from 2015 with a six-month extension till March 2018 under special circumstances.
After picking up the directors through the election on March 7, the top positions will be distributed among the two panels, where Forum will have the president post.
On March 15, the 35 directors will elect a president and seven vice-presidents for the business body.
The former board of the association will hand over their authority to the new office-bearers at BGMEA annual general meeting (AGM) on March 22.

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